Abstract

Archwires are the active components of orthodontics appliances and demand for aesthetics led several companies to begin production of aesthetic archwires. So the purpose of this article is to review properties availability and manufacturing of various available aesthetic archwires.
Orthodontic mechanics is based on the principle of elastic energy storage and its conversion into mechanical work through tooth movement. Ceramics and polycarbonates have been used to produce tooth coloured brackets, and research is under way to produce a suitable archwire material, which will combine aesthetics with the required mechanical properties. Since orthodontic treatments extend over a number of months and more and more adult patients were undergoing orthodontic treatment, the aesthetic aspect of the appliance could not be ignored any more. The demand for aesthetics led several companies to begin production, in the late 1970’s, of non-metallic brackets made from polycarbonate or ceramics Aesthetic wires came into being in the mid 2000.