Material

1. Stainless Steel Archwires:

   • Material: Made from a high-quality stainless steel alloy.
   • Characteristics: Durable and provides stable force over time.
   • Use: Typically used in the initial stages of treatment for alignment and leveling due to their strength and ability to maintain shape.

2. Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti) Archwires:

   • Material: An alloy composed of nickel and titanium.
   • Characteristics: Flexible and can exert lighter, continuous forces. They have shape memory properties, allowing them to return to their original shape after deformation.
   • Use: Commonly used in the early stages of treatment when more flexibility is needed. They are also used for patients with nickel allergies.

3. Beta-Titanium Archwires:

   • Material: An alloy of titanium, chromium, and other elements.
   • Characteristics: Combines some of the benefits of stainless steel (strength) and Ni-Ti (flexibility). They exhibit good shape memory and corrosion resistance.
   • Use: Useful in various stages of treatment, including initial alignment and later stages for fine-tuning.

4. Thermal Nickel-Titanium (TNT) Archwires:

   • Material: A special type of Ni-Ti alloy that undergoes a phase transition when heated.
   • Characteristics: These wires become more flexible at higher temperatures, allowing for easier insertion and adaptation to the arch form.
   • Use: Particularly useful in cases where precise placement of the archwire is challenging.

5. Multistranded Stainless Steel Archwires:

   • Construction: Composed of multiple small stainless steel strands twisted together.
   • Characteristics: Offer both strength and flexibility.
   • Use: These wires are often used in cases where fine adjustments to tooth positions are needed.

6. Coated Archwires:

   • Material: Regular archwires (e.g., stainless steel or Ni-Ti) with a protective coating.
   • Characteristics: The coating can help reduce friction between the wire and the brackets, potentially leading to more efficient tooth movement.
   • Use: Often used in cases where minimizing friction is important for treatment progress.

7. Lingual Archwires:

   • Placement: These wires are placed on the tongue side (lingual) of the teeth.
   • Characteristics: Similar to conventional archwires but designed for use with lingual braces.
   • Use: Suitable for patients who want a more attentive orthodontic treatment option.