archwires - different types and progression

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#1 Post by **fins** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:05 am

I don't know if there is an average number of archwires that are used for treatment but I was wondering as you progress through treatment to the end, about how many wires are used for a typical treatment (if there is such a thing)? Is there a type of wire that is used toward the end or middle of treatment?

#2 Post by **shinyam** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 1:45 am

I am on my fifth wire, and have one more to go. There's a link somewhere on here that explains what each wire does.

#3 Post by **fyrelight** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 7:20 am

I know you get the flexible NiTi ones in the beginning, and then the stiff, thick, stainless steel ones in the end... but I'm not sure how many there are. I never counted.

There's also a difference in the round and square stainless steel. The square gives the ortho more tweaking power. I know there are two numbers to every archwire... as in 16x22.... the first number is a measurement-- diameter maybe? as in .012 inches, or .014 or .016 or .018 inches. I think you usually start with a 12. I have NO idea what the 2nd number is, though I have heard it is a measurement as well.

#4 Post by **dr.j** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 9:53 am

Wires: we all use different sequences. There is no cookbook where we all use the same stuff. I may use 3 wires on one patient and 7 on another.

A 16 x 22 ss archwire is .016" x .022" in dimension. The height being .016" and the width/depth of the wire .022". 2 numbers, then rectangular (or square). 1 number, like .018 ss is a measurement of the diameter of the wire: 18 thousandths of an inch. Don't ask why we are not in the metric system yet. Old habits die hard.

All in all, some docs have a wire sequence used in most cases but this varies from doc to doc and patient to patient. 5-6 AW's per arch is average I guess.

dr.j

#5 Post by **gsx** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:04 pm

the more thick means the more force?
The initial AW is supossed to be the most heavy? 'Cause if I touch mine, it feels so soft, I can't afford how it can move my teeth
regards

#6 Post by **fyrelight** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:26 pm

You start off with little thin ones, then as your teeth are more where they need to be, they can put on thicker ones.

#7 Post by **Nikkiekoala** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 6:59 pm

Like Dr. J. said every ortho is different my first archwire was small, thin. I got new archwires at my first adjustment and it was the heavy duty rectangle wire which was/is 14x25. I don't think the heavier wire is just for the end of treatment being as I am just four and half months in. I go in for my second adjustment next week. He will be taking xrays to check on root alignment. I don't know if I get new wires then or not. Maybe elastics? I have know idea. All that to say the size of the wire is not an indicator of how far you are in treatment or how far you have left. It is just what your ortho has planned and how he is going to achieve it.

#8 Post by **mackenzie** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 10:43 pm

I'm on my 4th or 5th wire since Sept 6 when I got braces...that seems high if the average is only 5-6 total.

#9 Post by **Betty Bat** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 12:25 pm

This may be a dumb question, but how do you know what kind/size of wire you have? Can you figure it out on your own or do you have to ask the ortho?

#10 Post by **Nikkiekoala** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 5:56 pm

I usually ask the Ortho. You can see a difference in wire size but there is no way to tell exactly the size so asking is a good way to find out. My ortho is getting to where he tells most things. He knows I am interested.

Website · #11 Post by **alexa** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:16 pm

mackenzie wrote:I'm on my 4th or 5th wire since Sept 6 when I got braces...that seems high if the average is only 5-6 total.

Wow, that is a lot! Was that 4th or 5th wire per arch, or just overall?

I've had three wires per arch...so if 5 or 6 is the average, then does that mean that I'm halfway done?

#12 Post by **hannah164** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:46 pm

I've only had probably about 4 or 5 at the most archwires on the top in about 20 months!

I've only had one archwire on the bottom for about the past month. My ortho only changed my wires when absolutely necessary!

I guess that means I really have got two more years to go after 18 months so far!

-Hannah

Top braces: 4/28/04
Bottom braces: 11/16/05
Next Adjustment 1/11/06

#13 Post by **leah** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:56 pm

I've had 4 upper wires and 3 bottoms. My last one was put on in August. I was told that these would be my last wires I get... Guess every treatment is different...
best wishes,
Leah

#14 Post by **mackenzie** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 10:02 am

alexa wrote:
mackenzie wrote:I'm on my 4th or 5th wire since Sept 6 when I got braces...that seems high if the average is only 5-6 total.
Wow, that is a lot! Was that 4th or 5th wire per arch, or just overall?

Per arch, I only have braces on top right now. Lowers go on tomorrow!

Website · #15 Post by **alexa** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 1:02 am

mackenzie wrote:
alexa wrote:
mackenzie wrote:I'm on my 4th or 5th wire since Sept 6 when I got braces...that seems high if the average is only 5-6 total.
Wow, that is a lot! Was that 4th or 5th wire per arch, or just overall?
Per arch, I only have braces on top right now. Lowers go on tomorrow!

Ah, I didn't realize! Well good luck wishes for tomorrow then!

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archwires - different types and progression

archwires - different types and progression

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