An archwire is the thin metal wire in braces that runs through the brackets and moves the teeth step by step into the desired position. The same wire does not stay in place throughout treatment: thin, flexible wires are used at the start, and thicker, stiffer wires later; each stage asks something different of the teeth. This page explains in plain language the types of orthodontic wires, why they are changed, common problems such as a poking or bent wire, and what takes the place of an archwire in clear aligners.
This is general information; the decision for you is made after an examination.
What is an archwire, and what does it do in braces?
In fixed braces, the small pieces bonded to the teeth are called brackets. Each bracket has a slot, and the archwire passes through these slots and links all the teeth together. As the wire tries to return to its own shape, it applies light, continuous force to the teeth. With this force, and thanks to the remodeling of the bone around them, the teeth gradually change position. In other words, the bracket alone is not what produces the movement; the bracket guides the force and the wire carries it.
The wire is usually held in the bracket by a thin ring or elastic (a ligature). In self-ligating brackets, a small clip on the bracket holds the wire instead. For bracket types, you can look at our page on braces treatment, and for the general varieties, our article on types of braces.
What types of archwires are there?
The wires used in orthodontics are generally divided by their material and cross-section shape. The doctor moves between them according to the stage of treatment.
- Nickel-titanium wires: They are very flexible and return to their original shape even when bent. They are often chosen for the first alignment of crowded teeth. Some types become active at mouth temperature (heat-activated wire); they behave softer in the cold and more active in the mouth.
- Stainless steel wires: They are stiff and durable and hold their shape. They are used to slide teeth, close gaps and provide control in the later stages of treatment.
- Beta-titanium wires: Their stiffness lies between steel and nickel-titanium, and they can be bent into shape. They are used mostly in the fine-tuning stage.
- Coated (tooth-colored) wires: A colored coating is applied over the wire to make it less noticeable. They may be preferred especially with ceramic or clear brackets; the coating can wear away over time.
Wires are also divided by cross-section: round wires align and level the teeth, while wires with a rectangular (square) cross-section help control the tilt and rotation of the tooth root. Which is used when varies from case to case.
Why are the wires changed during treatment?
In orthodontic treatment, the thickness of the wire generally increases over time. This is because the teeth have different needs as they move:
- Alignment: While the teeth are crowded, a thin, flexible wire lets the teeth seat into the bracket slots without being exposed to too much force.
- Leveling: As the teeth line up more evenly, a somewhat thicker wire is used; the height and tilt of the teeth are balanced.
- Working stage: With stiff wires, usually rectangular in cross-section, gaps are closed, teeth are slid and root control is carried out. Elastics may also come into play at this stage; for more, see our article on orthodontic elastics.
- Finishing: The way the teeth fit together is fine-tuned; sometimes small bends are made in the wire.
This order is not the same for everyone. In some people the first stage is short, and in others the doctor moves to the finishing wire earlier or later. Wires are mostly changed at check-up appointments; how often depends on the treatment plan and the doctor's assessment. For the general time frame, you can look at our page on how long braces take.
Mild tenderness for a few days after each wire change is expected; in most people this feeling eases quickly. For tenderness in the first week and afterward, our article on the first week after braces are fitted may be useful.
What should you do if the archwire pokes, comes out or bends?
Although most wire-related problems are not urgent, some call for letting the clinic know without waiting for your next appointment. The table below shows the general picture; it does not make a diagnosis.
| Situation | What may cause it? | What can be done at home? | When to let the clinic know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire end is poking the cheek or tongue | As the teeth align, the wire can slip out of the back bracket and extend outward | Cover the end with orthodontic wax; rinse with warm salt water | If pain continues or a sore has formed; do not cut the wire yourself |
| Wire has come out of or loosened from the bracket | Hard food, a lost ligature, a bracket coming off | Use wax and avoid hard foods | Within a few days; sooner if it is bothering you |
| Wire is bent | Very hard or sticky food, non-chewing habits | Do not try to straighten the bent part | If the wire is causing a sore or chewing has become difficult |
| Wire is broken | Fatigue, impact or excessive force | Cover the broken end with wax | The same day or as soon as possible |
| Wire end extends forward or sideways at the back molar | The wire can shift over time | Wax and soft food | A check is recommended even if there is no sore |
In general, it is recommended that you do not try to cut, bend or pull the wire yourself. If there is a risk of swallowing it or of injury, contact the clinic; if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing, or facial swelling, you should go to an emergency department. For more detail, you can read our article on braces emergencies.
How can wires be kept from bending and last longer?
Keeping wires and brackets intact depends largely on daily habits. Staying away from hard and sticky foods, chewing ice, and biting pens or nails reduces damage to the wire. Care matters too: food builds up around the wire and brackets, and interdental brushes and single-tuft brushes help clean these areas. For eating, our page on what to eat with braces can help, and for care, our page on braces care products.
People with nickel sensitivity should also mention it before treatment. Stainless steel and some nickel-titanium wires contain nickel. If there is a history of allergy, the doctor can plan with alternative material options or additional precautions.
What takes the place of an archwire in clear aligners?
There is no wire in clear aligners. The force that moves the teeth comes from each aligner fitting the teeth slightly differently. The series of aligners is planned on a computer; each aligner differs from the previous one by a small step. When needed, small tooth-colored bumps bonded to the teeth (attachments) improve the aligner's grip and help with certain movements. In other words, the work an archwire does is shared by the aligner series and the attachments together.
The important difference between the two systems is how the force is managed. With wires, the doctor controls the direction of force by changing or bending the wire. With aligners, this control comes from the series planned at the outset and, when needed, new sets of aligners; our article on additional aligner sets gives information on this. Wear time also depends on the patient's compliance, because aligners are removable and are expected to be worn 20–22 hours a day. A wire, by contrast, is fixed and works in the mouth all the time.
Not every tooth movement can be done as easily with clear aligners. Some complex movements, or some cases, may be more predictable with wires, while in others a combined approach is considered. This comparison varies from person to person; for a general comparison, you can look at our page on clear aligners or braces. Retention is also needed after clear aligners; for information, see our page on retainers after clear aligners.
Common misunderstandings about archwires
- A thicker wire does not always mean faster. The thickness of the wire is chosen according to the current state of the tooth. Using a very thick wire in the early stage can put unnecessary load on the teeth.
- The wire is not tightened at every visit. The feeling of tightness after check-ups usually comes from a wire change or from new elastics.
- A poking wire is not always a mistake. As the teeth align, the wire can slip slightly; even so, you should let the clinic know.
- Dry mouth and the feeling of sores are often temporary. It usually takes a few weeks for the cheek to get used to the wire.
How do archwires and wire changes proceed at our clinic?
At the Funda Sarıkaya Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, Funda Pekyılmaz Sarıkaya, specialist orthodontist (Uzm. Dt.), evaluates your teeth, your jaw relationship and your X-rays at the first examination; whether fixed wires, clear aligners or a different approach is suitable is discussed after this assessment. The Invisalign system is also offered at the clinic. The clinic is located at Park Oran Ofis, Kudüs Cd., Oran, Çankaya / Ankara, and is open Monday–Saturday, 09:00–20:00. Consultations can be held in Turkish, English, German and Russian. To make an appointment, you can call 0312 911 60 36. For orthodontic services in Ankara, see our page on braces in Ankara.