Paradigm is engineered for flexibility. Flexible files are able to navigate tough glide paths. Some heat-treated files provide flexibility by tempering the microstructure of the Nitinol base material, but this flexibility gives up strength and hardness. With Paradigm we targeted the tradeoffs in heat-treated files that are sacrificed for improved flexibility.

Nitinol is heat-treated to convert an austenitic microstructure to martensite. Martensite demonstrates the shape memory effect and is malleable at lower temperatures. The mechanical properties achieved with a heat-treated microstructure increase flexibility; however, the corollary is lower resilience and lower hardness. Trade-offs that can result in a file that twists (or unwinds) in the canal and looses a sharp cutting edge due to wear.

Using the patented LaserFlex technology, we have engineered a process whereby a martensitic microstructure can be programmed into a discrete area in the cross-section of the file. Specifically, we use a laser to vaporize Nickel from the Nitinol material, replacing the effects of heat-treatment. Using this process, we can create a hybrid microstructure with precision control over the mechanical properties along the length, and across the width, of the file.