Guide to Orthodontic Archwires

 


Guide to Orthodontic Archwires

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Force Levels (Approximate unloading plateau forces in grams)

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Clinical Decision Algorithm (What wire to use when?)

  1. Visit 1 → 0.014 or 0.016 Heat-Activated Cu-NiTi 35°C (most common worldwide)
  2. Visit 2–3 → 0.016×0.022 or 0.018×0.025 Thermal NiTi
  3. Rectangular phase → 0.019×0.025 Cu-NiTi or TMA (if torque needed early)
  4. Space closure / major mechanics → 0.019×0.025 or 0.021×0.025 SS with loops or posted
  5. Finishing → 0.019×0.025 or 0.021×0.025 TMA or SS with individual bends

Pro Tips from Board-Certified Orthodontists

  • 35°C Cu-NiTi is the single most-used initial wire globally (2025 surveys).
  • Never skip from round NiTi straight to 0.019×0.025 SS → torque expression too early → gingival recession risk.
  • TMA is the only wire that allows true third-order bends without breaking.
  • In aligner cases, 0.019×0.025 SS or TMA “overlay” wires are commonly bonded to attachments for heavy mechanics.

Brilliant Orthodontics - Orthdontic Material ( Archwires ) Manufacturer and Suppliers.

info@bortho.com

www.bortho.com

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