Super Elastic Wires-Fantastic!
Fewer visits
Not everything has changed in orthodontics. We still have to stick braces to teeth, still use rubber bands, still have to attach the arch wires that cause tooth movement.
But one thing that has really changed is that arch wire. Have you seen those commercials with the eyeglasses you can bend and wad up, then they spring back to their original shape? What is the material they are made of? It is an alloy of nickel and titanium called Nitinol. It's a metal that tends to return to the original shape, even after it is bent or deformed. This has been revolutionary for orthodontics.
Think about it... you have a straight wire, then make it "crooked" or otherwise deform or bend it to the shape of your not so straight teeth and attach it to the teeth. Then the wire wants to be straight again slowly moving back to it's original position bringing the teeth along for the ride. That is slow constant pressure over time. That's what moves teeth.
There is even a variant that is limp like wet spaghetti when cold. It is then easily placed on the teeth. As the material warms up in the mouth, it returns to the original shape. Alloys of nickel and titanium have produced wires that are extremely flexible and that deliver the tooth moving pressure gradually and continuously during the treatment cycle. That means more comfortable attachment to the braces, fewer wire changes, fewer visits and constant movement which allows more efficient treatment. Some cases only need adjustment visits every 8-12 weeks! Our treatments are often getting done in less time and fewer appointments than they were back in the old days of heavy forces and stainless steel wires.
Shorter Visits
In order to make wires more flexible, orthodontists used to have to bend little loops and circles in the wires. This was time consuming, making for long appointments (and braces that were even harder to clean than they already are). Plus, since time costs money, it was expensive. Super elastic wires do not require tedious bending and adjustment. They are easily and quickly placed, making for shorter visits.
Less Discomfort
Anyone who has worn braces remembers that the teeth would get sore during treatment. Whoever invented macaroni and cheese and scrambled eggs probably wore braces.
The truth is, some tooth soreness is inevitable with braces, just like muscle soreness occurs sometimes with exercise.
The modern alloy wires however, deliver a more gentle and consistent pressure during treatment. The elimination of heavy forces in sporadic big doses has decreased the tooth soreness in treatment. You may still use ibuprofin now and then-just not nearly as much or as often.
