Orthodontic wires

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lawyerwithbraces
Posts: 13
Joined: Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:21 pm

Orthodontic wires

#1 Post by lawyerwithbraces »

I have a question which I can't find the answer to online. What do the numbers mean when an ortho talks about wires? I know that I am currently on steel wires but my ortho keeps mentioning numbers when he talks to the assistant. Eg 16 or 17 at my last appointment.

Anybody care to shed light on this? Eg which one is more forceful?
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jem
Posts: 942
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:05 am
Location: UK

Re: Orthodontic wires

#2 Post by jem »

16 = 0.016 of an inch. Larger number = stiffer wire. Rectangular wires eg 16x25 are .025 inch in the horizontal plane and 0.016 in the vertical plane which you see from the front
Jem
Sectional brace with Damon clear brackets fitted to front 6 upper teeth 3 January 2012
Brackets added to premolars 2 April 2012
Estimated treatment time originally 6-9 months. Brace removed on 22 July 2013 after 18 months and 19 days
Now enjoying bonded upper retainer plus part time essix/hawley( I have both)

Click here for my story http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... =9&t=42194
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Kipepeo
Posts: 690
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 12:19 pm

Re: Orthodontic wires

#3 Post by Kipepeo »

I'm getting 18x25's next visit! Those mean business. I believe I started at 14's, am now in 16x25's.
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lawyerwithbraces
Posts: 13
Joined: Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:21 pm

Re: Orthodontic wires

#4 Post by lawyerwithbraces »

Oh thank you both so much! My uppers are on 17 x 25 and lowers on 16s. I think I started on 16s after I got my teeth extracted. Makes so much sense now!
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Angel269
Posts: 561
Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 11:39 am
Location: UK

Re: Orthodontic wires

#5 Post by Angel269 »

Does everyone always get a rectangular wire?

I should still be on schedule for removal in 3 months and still am on a round wire.

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My braces story: http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... =9&t=42457

Impressions-08/06/12
Big Day-22/06/12
Started using Bite Plate-14/07/12
Estimated treatment-8 months (upper ceramics)
Debond date-04/03/13
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