In the process of orthodontic treatment, orthodontic archwires play a crucial role as “invisible conductors”. These seemingly simple metal wires actually contain precise biomechanical principles, and different types of archwires play unique roles in different stages of correction. Understanding the differences in these dental threads can help patients better understand their own correction process.
1、 The Evolution History of Bow Wire Materials: From Stainless Steel to Intelligent Alloys
Modern orthodontic archwires are mainly divided into three categories of materials:
Stainless steel archwire: a veteran in the field of orthodontics, with high strength and affordable price
Nickel titanium alloy archwire: with shape memory function and excellent elasticity
β – Titanium Alloy Bow Wire: A New Star of Perfect Balance between Flexibility and Rigidity
Professor Zhang, Director of the Orthodontics Department at Peking University Stomatological Hospital, introduced, “In recent years, the application of thermally activated nickel titanium archwires has become increasingly widespread. This archwire can automatically adjust the orthodontic force at oral temperature, making tooth movement more in line with physiological characteristics
2、 Treatment stages and archwire selection: a progressive art
Alignment stage (early stage of treatment)
Commonly used hyperelastic nickel titanium round wire (0.014-0.018 inches)
Features: Gentle and continuous corrective force, efficiently relieving crowding
Clinical advantages: Patients adapt quickly and experience mild pain
Leveling stage (mid-term treatment)
Recommended rectangular nickel titanium wire (0.016 x 0.022 inches)
Function: Control the vertical position of teeth and correct deep occlusion
Technological innovation: Gradient force value design to avoid root resorption
Fine adjustment stage (late stage of treatment)
Using stainless steel square wire (0.019 x 0.025 inches)
Function: Accurately control the position of the tooth root and improve the bite relationship
Latest progress: Digitized pre formed archwire improves accuracy
3、 The special mission of special archwires
Multi curved archwire: used for complex tooth movement
Rocking chair bow: specially designed to correct deep covers
Fragment bow: a tool for fine adjustment of local areas
Just as painters need different brushes, orthodontists also need various archwires to meet different orthodontic needs, “said Director Li of the Orthodontics Department of
Shanghai Ninth Hospital.
4、 The Secret of Bow Wire Replacement
Regular replacement cycle:
Initial: Replace every 4-6 weeks
Mid to late stage: replace once every 8-10 weeks
Influencing factors:
Material fatigue level
Progress rate of treatment
Patient’s oral environment
5、 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Patients
Q: Why does my archwire always prick my mouth?
A: Common phenomena during the initial adaptation period can be alleviated by using orthodontic wax
Q: Why does the archwire change color?
A: Caused by food pigment deposition, it does not affect the treatment effect
Q: What if the archwire breaks?
A: Contact the attending physician immediately and do not handle it on your own
6、 Future trend: The era of intelligent archwire is coming
Innovative technologies in research and development:
Force sensing archwire: real-time monitoring of corrective force
Drug release archwire: prevention of gingival inflammation
Biodegradable archwire: an environmentally friendly new choice
7、 Professional advice: Personalized selection is key
Experts suggest that patients:
Do not compare the thickness of the archwire on your own
Strictly follow medical advice and schedule follow-up appointments on time
Cooperate with the use of other orthodontic devices
Maintain good oral hygiene
With the development of materials science, orthodontic archwires are moving towards smarter and more precise directions. But no matter how advanced the technology is, personalized solutions that are suitable for the individual patient’s situation are the key to achieving ideal correction results. As a senior orthodontic expert once said, “A good archwire is like a good string, only in the hands of a professional ‘performer’ can a perfect tooth concerto be played
Post time: Jul-04-2025