Orthodontic
braces and arch wires are essential components used in orthodontic
treatment to align and straighten teeth. Here's a detailed description of each:
Orthodontic
Braces
Orthodontic braces are dental
devices used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. They consist of several
components:
- Brackets:
These are small squares bonded directly to the front of each tooth with a
special dental adhesive. Brackets can be made of stainless steel, ceramic,
or plastic.
- Bands:
These are metal rings that encircle the back molars and sometimes other
teeth, providing an anchor for the braces. They are cemented in place with
dental bonding agents.
- Arch Wires:
These are thin, metal wires that run through the brackets and guide the
movement of the teeth. Arch wires are adjusted periodically to ensure
continuous pressure on the teeth to move them into the correct position.
- Ligatures:
These are tiny rubber bands or metal ties that secure the arch wire to the
brackets. Ligatures come in various colors, and patients can choose their
preferred colors at each adjustment.
- Buccal Tubes:
These are small metal parts attached to the brackets on the molars,
allowing the arch wire to pass through and stay in place.
- Elastic Bands (Elastics): These are small rubber bands that can be attached to
hooks on the brackets to apply additional pressure to move the teeth and
jaws into the desired alignment.
- Springs:
Sometimes, springs are used on the arch wire to push, pull, open, or close
the spaces between teeth.
Arch
Wires
Orthodontic
arch wire are the primary components responsible for moving teeth in
orthodontic treatment. They are made of various materials and come in different
sizes and shapes:
- Materials:
- Stainless Steel:
Known for its strength and durability, stainless steel wires are commonly
used in the initial stages of treatment.
- Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti): These wires are more flexible and have shape memory,
making them ideal for the initial stages of treatment to gently move
teeth.
- Beta-Titanium (TMA): These wires offer a balance between flexibility and
strength, used in intermediate stages of treatment.
- Copper-Nickel-Titanium: These wires are used for their superelastic
properties and are particularly effective in aligning teeth.
- Shapes:
- Round:
Round wires are typically used in the early stages of treatment for
leveling and aligning teeth.
- Rectangular:
Rectangular wires provide more precise control and are used in later
stages to refine tooth positioning and torque control.
- Sizes:
- Arch wires come in various thicknesses, ranging from
0.012 inches to 0.021 x 0.025 inches, depending on the stage of treatment
and the amount of force required to move the teeth.
How
Braces and Arch Wires Work
The orthodontist periodically
adjusts the arch wires, changing their size, shape, or material to apply the
appropriate force needed to move the teeth. The process typically involves
tightening the arch wire, which puts pressure on the teeth and gradually shifts
them into the desired position. This process is repeated over several months to
years, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient's specific
needs.
