PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to characterize five selected commercial NiTi archwires in terms of their transformation behavior, chemical composition, surface topography and mechanical properties (at temperatures of 22 degrees C, 37 degrees C and 60 degrees C). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rectangular orthodontic archwires investigated were Neo Sentalloy F80 (GAC, Central Islip, NY, USA), 35 degrees C Thermo-Active Copper NiTi (A-Company/Ormco, Glendora, CA, USA), Rematitan "Lite" (Dentaurum, Pforzheim, Germany), Titanol SE S (Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany) and Titanal (Lancer, San Marcos, CA, USA) in size 0.016" x 0.022". The chemical composition and surface topography were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy using an analytical scanning electron microscope (XL30, EDAX SUTW Saphire Detector; Philips, Eindhoven, Netherlands). The transition temperatures were measured by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC; Perkin-Elmer Pyris 1, Perkin-Elmer, Fremont, CA, USA) in a range of - 80 degrees C to + 80 degrees C. The mechanical properties and their dependence on temperature were determined by means of 3-point bending tests. The binary archwire materials were characterized by a two-phase structure (NiTi matrix and Ni3Ti4 precipitates). RESULTS: The SEM analyses revealed abradant residues in virtually all archwires, while DSC revealed complex transformation properties. In addition to the martensitic and austenitic transformations, an R-phase transformation was also detected. The bending tests showed pronounced loading and unloading plateaus. The martensitic archwires (Neo Sentalloy F80, 35 degrees C Thermo-Active Copper NiTi) were found to have a lower strength than the martensitic-austenitic (Rematitan "Lite") and the austenitic archwires (Titanol SE S, Titanal). With increasing temperature (in the range from 22 degrees C to 60 degrees C) a linear rise in the plateau forces was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: When assessing the quality of archwires, account should be taken of the surface quality, as it is this that determines corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and friction characteristics. The mechanical properties depend on the initial state; moderate plateau forces and plateau moments can only be achieved with martensitic archwires. In contrast to conventional steel alloys, the strength characteristics are heavily dependent on temperature and need to be known if NiTi archwires are to be used to optimal effect. In addition, the superelastic plateau is used only partially, if at all, when minimum leveling is required.