Different manufacturing processes of Ni–Tiarchwires respond differently to corrosion due to the surfaceconditions involved. In this study, several topographicalfeatures and their influence upon fluoride corrosion werestudied. Four topographies (smooth, dimple, scratch, andcrack) according to the main surface defect were characterized(n = 40). Static corrosion tests were performed in artificialsaliva with fluorated prophylactic gel (12500 ppm) for28 days. The surface was characterized by SEM and laserconfocal microscopy. Standard electrochemical corrosion(open circuit potential, corrosion potential and corrosioncurrent density) was performed. Statistical analysis was carriedout using the ANOVA test (a B 0.05). An increase wasobserved in the surface defects and/or roughness of thecracked and scratched surfaces. These defects produced animportant increase in corrosion behavior. The best surfacesfor the orthodontic archwires were the smooth and dimpledsurfaces, respectively. The increase in defects was independentof roughness. Manufacturing processes that producesurface cracks should be avoided in orthodontic applications.