Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
08:46
Force System with Vertical V-Bends: A 3D In Vitro Assessment of Elastic and Rigid Rectangular Archwires
Published on: July 24, 2018
Initial arch wires for tooth alignment during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances
Fan Jian1, Wenli Lai, Susan Furness
1Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University,Chengdu, China.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 2, 2013
Summary
This review found insufficient evidence to determine if different initial arch wires, such as stainless steel and nickel-titanium (NiTi), are more effective for tooth alignment or cause less pain. More high-quality research is needed to assess their clinical impact and safety, especially regarding root resorption.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Research
Background:
- Initial arch wires are crucial for early orthodontic tooth alignment, correcting crowding and rotations.
- Understanding the efficiency, pain, and root resorption associated with different initial arch wires is vital for optimal treatment.
- This review updates previous findings on initial arch wires used in fixed orthodontic appliances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of various initial arch wires in terms of alignment speed.
- To assess the impact of initial arch wires on root resorption.
- To compare the pain intensity associated with different initial arch wire materials during orthodontic treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Searched multiple electronic databases including Cochrane, MEDLINE, and EMBASE up to August 2012.
- Included RCTs involving participants with full arch fixed orthodontic appliances, focusing on initial arch wire comparisons.
Main Results:
- Nine RCTs with 571 participants were included, all identified as having a high risk of bias and methodological limitations.
- No significant differences were found in alignment speed or pain between stainless steel and nickel-titanium (NiTi) arch wires due to insufficient evidence.
- No trials reported on root resorption, and evidence comparing different types of NiTi wires was very weak and unreliable.
Conclusions:
- There is currently no reliable evidence to suggest that any specific initial arch wire material is superior for tooth alignment or pain reduction.
- The effect of initial arch wire materials on root resorption remains unevaluated.
- Further well-designed, adequately-powered RCTs are necessary to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of initial arch wires.
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