Dental Arch Wire

About this technology

Overview

New type of arch wire material, developed by 3M, called Nitinol, with exceptional elasticity which helps reduce required number of brace changes. When bent, stainless steel wire tends to kink and lose its ability to exert pressure, necessitating frequent adjustment and sometimes a complete brace change. Nitinol has ability to return to its original shape after bending, it does not kink and continues to pull on teeth. Using Nitinol wire in treatment, orthodontists have been able to use the same wire for the entire treatment. Patients report less discomfort, and in some cases Nitinol's elasticity has reduced frequency of office visits and trimmed overall treatment time.