Arch wire (31)

Orthodontic Arch Wires from Orthdent

An arch wire is the wire that runs through the bracket slots and carries the force that moves teeth. Choosing the right alloy, cross-section and size decides how much force an appliance delivers - and how comfortable the patient finds each phase of treatment.

Three things matter when you select an arch wire:

• Alloy. Nickel-titanium (NiTi) is super-elastic and delivers light, continuous force, so it is normally used in the alignment phase. Stainless steel is stiffer and is normally used in the working and finishing phases, where torque control matters more than flexibility.
• Cross-section. Round wires level and align. Rectangular wires control torque and the position of teeth in three dimensions.
• Size. The diameter of a round wire, or the two dimensions of a rectangular wire, decides how much of the bracket slot the wire fills - and therefore how much play remains between wire and bracket.

Orthdent supplies orthodontic arch wires to dental clinics, orthodontic practices and distributors. Browse the listing above for the alloys, cross-sections and sizes currently in stock, and contact us if you need a dimension that is not shown.