Abstract. Stainless steel is one of the most widely used materials in current orthodontics. Archwires, brackets, bands, ligatures, tubes, among other appliances, are manufactured using different types of this alloy. The first evidence of the use of this alloy in the orthodontic field dates back to the mid-1920s, when it was introduced as a material to manufacture wires. The alloy has ever since gained popularity among orthodontists and its further development has led to its widespread use in today’s different orthodontic techniques. Despite being available for more than 80 years, and the fact that most orthodontists use it on a daily basis, there is still a lack of knowledge about the basic principles, composition, and properties of thismaterial by these professionals. Therefore, the purpose of this literature review is to discuss the main characteristics and properties of stainless steel that are useful in the orthodontic practice for orthodontists to take advantage of this remarkable material.

Introduction: Titanium and its alloys have been long used in Medicine and Odontology due to their numerous properties, among them their high resistance to corro sion and outstanding biocompatibility. In the case of orthodontics, titanium and its alloys have a relatively short history, but its use has been increased during the last years, due to its excellent mechanical properties, like its design-in memory effect and super-elasticity, which provide this material with extraordinary biomechanical performance, especially in the case of orthodontic wire, which is highly searched for in the area of orthodontics. Objective: To examine the history of titanium in orthodontics, its main characteristics, its physical and mechanical properties and its use within a spectrum of orthodontic materials available in the market. Conclusion: Titanium alloys are used in conjunction with other elements (nickel, molybdenum and copper, amongst others) that leverage the titanium’s properties and allow the operation of its clinical qualities.