When you start your orthodontic treatment plan, it can be difficult to grasp the variety of factors involved. you’ll have a lot on your mind (like how long treatment will take or the best way to smile with braces). One thing you’ll probably want to find out about is what orthodontic materials are being used to transform your smile.
In this article, you can explore the purpose of arch wires - a core part of orthodontic care - how they help with tooth movement, and what materials they're composed of. Gain insight into the science behind braces and learn how they work!
Learning the Arch Wire
Arch wires are an integral part of orthodontic treatment, connecting the brackets and ligatures to exert gentle forces that move teeth to their desired position. During treatment, arch wires must be adjusted to adjust the tension on the teeth, depending on the phase of treatment.
Parts of Braces: From Brackets to Bands
The orthodontic archwire couldn’t do its job without a little help from these different parts! Take a look at some different types of equipment that you’ll encounter during treatment.
- Brackets：Our brackets help to align and straighten your teeth. Made of metal or ceramic, they are securely cemented onto each tooth. The arch wire is then connected to the brackets through clips or rubber bands, providing an effective and safe method of orthodontic treatment.
- Molar Band：The Molar Band is the perfect solution for orthodontic treatments requiring greater precision and control than traditional braces. The metal bands fit around the molars with a buccal tube to attach other tools to, like lip bumpers, face bows, and arch wires. Separators are used prior to treatment to create a small gap between molars, ensuring the molars are ready for braces and providing gentle force along the way.
- Ligature：The Ligature is a colorful or clear rubber band designed to hold an archwire in place on the bracket during an orthodontic treatment. Its smaller size gives patients the ability to choose elastic bands that enhance their overall look. Smile bright and in style with the Ligature!
- Rubber Band：The Rubber Band is designed to correct overbites and underbites by providing consistent pressure on the upper and lower jaws to move them into their ideal positions. Its larger elastic bands provide a comfortable and secure fit.
Archwire Types: Stainless Steel Alloy, Beta-Titanium, & Nickel-Titanium
Archwires come in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, beta-titanium, and nickel-titanium alloys, to meet the needs of all patients and practitioners. These metal arch wires offer superior strength, flexibility, and durability, making them ideal for orthodontic treatment.
Our orthodontists use different alloys and wire thicknesses to customize your braces treatment. This helps you achieve the desired smile transformation more quickly, as each alloy and thickness applies a different level of pressure.
Stainless Steel Wires
Stainless steel archwires provide strength, adjustability and hygienic advantages over other orthodontic material. While not as elastic as other alloys, these wires are the ideal choice for maintaining progress in your orthodontic treatment.
Beta-Titanium Wires
These Beta-titanium wires, an ideal mid-treatment option, give orthodontists the perfect balance of strength and elasticity. More flexible than stainless steel and stronger than nickel-titanium, they help to achieve better patient outcomes.
Nickel-Titanium Alloy
Ni-Ti archwires are essential for successful orthodontic treatment, as they are both malleable and resilient due to their shape memory effect. Enjoy superior flexibility and reliable force from these Ni-Ti wires as they help move your teeth into the desired position.
