Due to their exceptional temperature sensitivity, superelastic nickel titanium wires may be affected by temperature changes associated with ingestion of cold or hot food. It has been assumed that the alterations in archwire stiffness associated with short-term cooling or heating are transient. This investigation studied the effect of these temperature changes on the torsional stiffness of nickel titanium alloys. Eight rectangular superelastic wires were activated to 20 degrees, in longitudinal torsion at body temperature and subjected to cold (10 degrees C) or hot (80 degrees C) water with the strain held constant. The torsional stiffness of some wires was strongly affected. The effect of hot water disappeared quickly, but the wires remained at a level of reduced torsional stiffness (up to 85% less than baseline) after short applications of cold water. The most thermodynamic archwires showed incremental reductions in torsional stiffness when cold water was repeatedly applied. Furthermore, the torsional stiffness remained low (up to 50% less than baseline) and showed no tendency to increase even after 2 hours of post-exposure restitution. It is conceivable that some wires may provide inadequate forces for tooth movement after ingestion of cold liquids.