Inverted arch wire

[pasr16]

So i went to my orthodonist's office last week and they decided to put an arch wire that looked thiner than the one i had. when i asked why, the tech said it's supposed to "open up my bite." to me that was really vague and the only conclusion i can reach is that they are trying to increase the length of bethween my teeth to have a wider arch... does anyone know what this wire does? also, i noticed my a lot of spaces had developed between several of my lower teeth, and this is after having a powerchain for 3 months.... i'm starting to think they are really not doing things in a logical way. i mean, im no orthodonists but doesn't it make more sense to do whatever they're trying to do that's gonna cause gaps, and then do a powerchain.... i

[fosterp]

Well first, the doctors are going to do what doesn't seem conventional to a layman because they went to school for 12 years learning how to do it.

When they said they are going to use an inverted archwire to open your bite, they are probably referring to an archwire that has a reverse curve of spree, in order to make your anterior teeth level with the posterior teeth to correct an overbite. Google an image search on a curve of spree to see what that is, and the archwire is trying to level that curve because it will reduce the amount of overbite.

One of the side effects of that kind of archwire is that the lower anterior teeth will generally flare outwards because the wire is trying to intrude those teeth while extruding the premolars. When the teeth flare outwards, there is usually a little bit of space that appears between them. This is not their intended position, but it is a necessary side effect that has to be dealt with as a result of that kind of teeth movement. They can and will correct that later in treatment.

[footpounds]

I think you meant to say Curve of SPEE

[rhomboid]

I can't always figure the logic of what is being done to me either, I figure that you just have to trust the guy that is treating you.