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Awesome Archwires

Home » Blog » Awesome Archwires

  • Simply Southern Smiles
  • November 27, 2019

When we think braces, we can’t help but think of the brackets on each tooth and the colorful ligature bands that surround them. But actually, the whole point of those brackets and bands is to hold the archwire in place as it gradually moves your teeth to create a better bite and a straighter smile. Let’s learn more about this talented part of your braces!

  • Wire We Wearing These, Anyway?

Archwires use gentle, continuous pressure to move your teeth into alignment. That sounds simple, but there is actually a lot going on. Teeth often need more than realigning. Some teeth need to be turned a bit, some tilted. Your teeth need to be better aligned with those next to them, of course, but also need to fit properly with the teeth above or below them. You might have a malocclusion, or bad bite.

How can one wire handle all that? Well, it can’t. That’s why there are different types of wire. We often use thinner, flexible wires at the beginning of treatment, to put gentle pressure on the teeth as they start their movement. Other wires are firmer, and can be helpful in later phases, when each tooth is carefully moved to its specific, ideal spot. Archwires can be round or rectangular, thicker or thinner, springy or stiff, remember their shape or be bendable—all depending on what they need to do.

Whew! This sounds confusing, but Dr. Michael Simmons and our team are archwire experts! At every adjustment appointment, we check on the progress of your alignment and choose the exact wire you need to take you to the next stage of your orthodontic journey.

  • Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Wire

Now that you have braces, it’s more challenging to make sure that your teeth are clean after eating. We’ll give you advice on how to get rid of the pesky food particles that sometimes get stuck in your braces. First, that’s absolutely not the look you’re going for. But, more than that, bacteria can use these “leftovers” as fuel to create the acids that damage your enamel and cause cavities.

There’s a whole new world of dental products out there waiting to help get your braces clean. Special toothbrush heads work in the spaces between your teeth and the archwire. There are floss threaders that can get dental floss into tight places, and flosses with one stiff end you can guide under the wire so you can direct the floss to where it’s needed. There are even tiny cone-shaped brushes called “interproximal brushes” that can fit under your wires to clean around your brackets and teeth.

Take a care kit to school or work with you so you can keep the tooth surface under your wires and around your brackets free of plaque. After all the hard work you’ve put in with your braces, the last thing you want is cavities once you’ve achieved your beautiful smile!

  • Down to the Wire

We said archwires were awesome, but we didn’t say they were perfect! We couldn’t leave without suggestions for handling any wire-related problems that might come up.

One of the most common problems is the irritation caused by the end of a wire that has somehow come loose. You might be able to use a cotton swab to gently push the wire flat against the tooth. If that doesn’t work, orthodontic wax can be used to cover the end of the problem wire and smoothed into place. We’ll provide you with instructions on how to handle these and other minor wire problems at home.

Other problems should be run past us first. If you feel your wire is coming loose, or if a loose end is causing a lot of pain and irritation, call our Statesville, NC office. We’ll give you instructions on how to help, and make an appointment if necessary for a professional fix.

In fact, call us anytime you have questions about your braces. We’re here to help you understand each phase of the orthodontic process as you move step by step on the path to a healthy bite and a beautiful smile. And what’s more awesome than that?

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We’re thankful for the opportunity to serve our community. Hear what our patients are saying about their 5-star experience with us!
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Helen M.
I've been going to Dr. Woods for about three years, and it's been the best dental experience I've had. The staff is always kind, the office is clean and comfortable. One thing that really stands out to me is the positive music they play. As a Christian, it’s really uplifting to hear encouraging messages during my visits. A small detail but can really make a big impact.
Response from the owner:We are thrilled to hear your positive feedback, Helen! It's wonderful to know that your experiences with Dr. Woods and our team have been so uplifting and comfortable. We strive to create a welcoming environment, and we’re glad the music adds to your visits. Thank you for sharing your thoughts; it means a lot to us! We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Nick
Dr. Woods and his staff are great. He has improved my smile and it looks amazing!
Response from the owner:Thanks Nick! We truly appreciate the kind words and support. We have loved taking care of your smile and appreciate the opportunity to take care of your beautiful family. Sincerely. Dr. Woods & Team.
Jho B.
Dr. Woods and his team are awesome! They're very responsive and patient. They made my daughter's orthodontic experience very pleasant & we highly recommend them.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Woods and the team were able to provide a positive experience for your daughter. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family.
Matt R.
In November 2021, I decided I wanted a better smile and needed orthodontics. After visiting several orthodontists and not having much luck, I met with Dr Woods and his staff and immediately went with them. After three and a half years (because my teeth were horribly misaligned), my braces came off yesterday, and I’m more than pleased with the results. Dr Woods and his staff have been more than amazing to work with throughout this journey. I highly recommend them to anyone who is considering braces. You will NOT be disappointed.

Thank you for everything, Dr. Woods and team!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Matt, for sharing your experience and for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you are pleased with your results after your journey with us. It's been an honor to support you in achieving a smile you can be proud of. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your trust in Dr. Woods and our team. Enjoy your beautiful new smile!
Junior B.
I have been going to simply southern smiles for about 2 years and the experience I have each time is wonderful. The waiting time is minimum, schedules are flexible and office is very clean. I recommend going to get braces from here and have the experience I had. Dentist and receptionists are responsible respectful and outgoing. Thank you for the good job and services I was provided during this time. God bless you
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Junior! We're thrilled to hear that your experiences at Simply Southern Smiles have consistently met your expectations. Our team prides itself on providing efficient, respectful service, and we appreciate your recommendation for braces. Your kind words motivate us to keep delivering the best care possible. God bless you as well!
Samantha R.
Dr. Woods and his team are always kind and pay attention to every detail. I have had a great experience at Simply Southern Smiles over the past few years. I love my new smile and highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Samantha! We're thrilled to hear that you've had a great experience with Dr. Woods and the team. Your satisfaction and your new smile are what we strive for, and we appreciate your recommendation. We look forward to seeing you again at Simply Southern Smiles!

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Orthodontic treatment is a long-term, ongoing process. Knowing this, we strive to make your orthodontic treatment in our office a positive experience. We take pride in being a very friendly, family-oriented office.

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