NASA to Chairside

Space Age Technologies in Today's Orthodontic Office

Technological advances benefit us all in our day-to-day lives.   Products as diverse as microwave ovens, CD players and titanium golf clubs are now commonplace in homes throughout the world. These innovations have improved our lifestyle and help us complete tasks with greater efficiency.

The orthodontic industry has also benefited from new high tech materials that offer improved comfort, convenience, and performance. One such material is a space-aged archwire called Copper NiTi.

Although some people today question the benefits to the public of space exploration, orthodontics has directly benefited from their work with the wires used to treat patients. Nickel titanium alloys originally used by NASA to deploy satellites in space have for some time been used in the initial phase of orthodontic treatment.  Recently copper was added to nickel titanium creating a new age wire which is light years ahead of the wires used in the past.

Copper NiTi ... Fueling Perfect Smiles

Copper NiTi is what's known as a shape memory wire.  When you feel this wire out of the mouth it is very soft and easily bent, however, when warmed the wire will return to its original shape and gradually become more stiff.   It's like ice changing to water when it is warmed.  This helps with your orthodontic treatment because you can alter the force of the wire in your mouth. You may experience some mild discomfort during the first days of treatment. This is a normal reaction that all patients experience.  To help adjust to your new braces you can use cold drinks to relax the wire. Once your teeth begin their journey to a perfect smile, the level of discomfort decreases and you won't need to slow the wire down. You can actually speed it up a little by using warm drinks and will notice the wire tightening and getting stronger in your mouth.

Copper NiTi is also special because it doesn't need to be adjusted or changed as often, allowing us to increase the time between appointments. We will probably leave the same wire in your mouth for two to three months to allow it to gradually move your teeth to their new position. Like new appliances that are more efficient in the home, this wire is more efficient in your mouth. This means less time away from school or the office.

Convenience, comfort and performance ... Copper NiTi powers your voyage to a perfect smile.