NiTi Archwire (Base) | Initial alignment, mild tooth movement | Superelastic (20 GPa modulus) ▲ Ovoid form (Ra 0.8 µm surface smoothness) ▲ Autoclave sterilization (ISO 17665) ▲ Shelf life: 1 year (stored at 20°C) | Comfortable fit ▲ Self-adjusting force ▲ Cost-effective base option | Shorter shelf life ▲ Lower stiffness for heavy forces ▲ Basic packaging |
NiTi Archwire (Advanced) | Complex cases, long-term retention | Superelastic (25 GPa modulus) ▲▲ Ovoid form (Ra 0.5 µm surface smoothness) ▲▲ Autoclave sterilization (ISO 17665 + 100+ cycles) ▲▲ Shelf life: 3 years (ISO 11137) ▲▲ | Enhanced durability ▲▲ Reduced irritation ▲▲ Extended sterilization tolerance ▲▲ | Higher cost ▲▲ Steeper learning curve for customization ▲▲ |
Stainless Steel Archwire | Final adjustments, heavy force control | High rigidity (200 GPa modulus) ▲ Round form (Ra 1.2 µm) ▲ Autoclave sterilization ▲ Shelf life: 5 years ▲ | Precise force application ▲ Long shelf life ▲ Universal compatibility ▲ | Less comfortable ▲ Rigid and prone to patient discomfort ▲ No self-adjustment ▲ |
Beta-Titanium Archwire | Moderate force, gradual alignment | Moderate stiffness (60 GPa modulus) ▲ Round/Oval form ▲ Autoclave sterilization ▲ Shelf life: 2 years ▲ | Balanced flexibility and control ▲ Reduced patient discomfort vs steel ▲ | Higher cost than NiTi ▲ Less elastic recovery ▲ |
TMA Archwire | Temperature-sensitive cases | Heat-activated stiffness (modulus increases at body temp) ▲ Round form ▲ Autoclave sterilization ▲ Shelf life: 2 years ▲ | Predictable force delivery ▲ Minimal patient discomfort ▲ | Requires precise temperature control ▲ Brittle compared to NiTi ▲ |
Copper-NiTi Archwire | Heavy-duty complex cases | Enhanced stiffness (30 GPa modulus) ▲ Hexagonal form ▲ Autoclave sterilization ▲ Shelf life: 1.5 years ▲ | Higher force delivery than standard NiTi ▲ Improved slot engagement ▲ | Risk of overcorrection ▲ Higher cost ▲ Less patient tolerance ▲ |