[Advantages and limits of nickel-titanium instruments for root canal preparation. A review of the current literature].

In recent years, an important innovation in the field of dentistry has been the introduction of nickel-titanium alloy instruments. Superelasticity and shape memory are the main mechanical properties of this alloy which prompted its use in endodontics. Due to these characteristics, NiTi instruments have been demonstrated to preserve the original anatomy, the shape and position in space of the apical foramen. This literature review of mechanical properties of NiTi endodontic instruments aims to provide clinicians with a better understanding of their advantages and limits.