Metallic alloys used in manufacturing orthodontic wires: a continuing evolution

Abstract

Historically, few alloys have been used in the fabrication of ortho- dontic appliances. The primary objective of this article is to trace the development of metallic alloys used in Orthodontics over the last century, from the precious metal to the stainless steel to the titanium alloys, and into the era of the su- perelastic wires and a thermome- chanical behavior, decidedly more complex than its predecessors. Moreover, relevant information that are addressed herein pertain to the current “state-of-the-art” of orthodontic wires, and the antici- pated arch wire advancements in the near future and that will revo- lution this new millennium. Key words: orthodontic wires, me- tallic alloys, orthodontic mecha- nics, Metallurgy, Orthodontics.