A Comparative Evaluation of Metal Ion Release from Damon Copper–Nickel–Titanium and Damon Ultima Orthodontic Archwires: An In Vitro Study

contact dermatitis in humans, responsible for more cases than all other metals combined, with chromium ranking second in frequency.10 The passive self-ligating bracket system, Damon, has been used widely in recent times.The Damon philosophy states the use of IntroductIonEven with newer advancements, the role of orthodontic archwires is inevitable in fixed appliance therapy. 1 In orthodontics, selecting the right archwire plays a crucial role in achieving efficient biomechanics, predictable treatment outcomes, and reducing patient discomfort. 2 Most commonly used initial archwires are nickel-titanium (NiTi) and copper-nickel-titanium (CuNiTi) wires due to their shape-memory effects.CuNiTi wires tend to exert low forces on dental tissues due to their temperature-specific shape-memory effect, by which less stress acts on the teeth.3 These NiTi and CuNiTi wires tend to have more surface roughness and increased bacterial accumulation.4 An inability to have a self-cleansing nature during orthodontic treatment creates a platform for bacterial adherence and a decrease in pH. 5 In our oral environment, with saliva playing the role of an electrolyte, corrosion of ions from metal archwires tends to occur, which is unavoidable and keeps continuing depending on microbiological, thermal, and enzymatic conditions of the oral cavity, which are further contributed to by plaque accumulation.[6][7][8] When tissues are exposed to an irritant exceeding their threshold for a prolonged period of time, cytotoxic effects are encountered.9 Among metallic allergens, nickel is the primary cause of allergic 1,