archwire

Teeth-guiding metal strand

An archwire is the curved metal wire that runs through orthodontic brackets, providing the force that gradually moves teeth into alignment.

The wire's shape—an arch matching the desired curve of the dental arch—guides tooth movement over months of treatment.

Orthodontists periodically replace archwires with progressively stiffer ones as treatment advances.

orthodontics

bracket

Support or category

braces · alignment · adjustment · malocclusion · overbite · underbite · crowding · spacing · bite · headgear

mechanics

tension

Stretched or strained state

elasticity · flexibility · resistance · load · traction · rotation · displacement · activation · spring · recoil

material

stainless steel

Rust-proof iron alloy

flexible · rigid · round · rectangular · braided · coated · gauge · diameter

Opposites
orthodontic component function

archwirebracket

Support or category

ligature · brackets · elastic band · retainer

orthodontic methodology

archwireclear aligner

Transparent orthodontic retainer

Invisalign · retainer

Family

wire, arch, architect, wiring, archive, arched, architecture, archway, arching

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G