DID YOU KNOW? Archwires get their name because the top teeth comprise your top arch and your bottom teeth comprise your bottom arch. Contrary to popular belief, it is the archwires that do most of the work when gradually moving the teeth into their final alignment throughout the treatment. Without them, you would just be wearing the brackets on your teeth with nothing to actually move the teeth. They come in all different kinds of materials and sizes and each one has a unique use that your Orthodontist will implement to help you achieve that smile you always wanted.
The beginning of your treatment when your teeth are crooked the arch wire will be bent and deformed, following the crooked contours of your teeth. It has the critical task of returning to it’s original shape. That task is critical in orthodontic treatment because it’s now attached to the brackets which are in turn are affixed to your teeth. The force generated by the wire trying to return to it’s original shape is what slowly moves the teeth into their proper alignment. For this reason, the initial arch wires are usually springy and they exert a steady gentle force on the brackets, ensuring that they don’t pop off when we tie them onto your brackets.
Over the treatment, we will change the arch wires. Contrary to popular belief, the arch wire does not usually need to be changed every visit. Since there are so many advancements in wires these days a typical case may only use 3 to 5 wires. It’s true that for more complicated cases, more arch wires may be needed but this is always assessed on a case by case basis.
See your orthodontic specialist for the treatment option that is best for your individual needs.
