Titanium Wires

Titanium Wires - Nickel Titanium, Beta Titanium, Copper NiTi

Have you ever seen those TV commercials about eyeglasses that you can bend into any shape and they spring back to their original shape? They are made of a space-age material called nickel titanium alloy, also referred to as NiTi. Even after the wire has been bent it tries to return to its original shape. This is the principle behind the use of NiTi wires in orthodontics.

When Dr. Fulton uses a NiTi wire with your braces, the wire bends in the shape of your crooked teeth; however, it slowly and gently applies pressure as it returns to its original shape. As it reshapes itself, the wire’s slow constant pressure over time moves your teeth into position.

There is even a variety of wire that is soft when cold, like a piece of wet spaghetti, which makes it easy to place on the teeth. As the wire warms up in your mouth, it tries to return to its original position, which applies the pressure needed to move your teeth. If your teeth are sore after an adjustment, drink ice water to soften the wires, which will decrease your discomfort.