After many years of finishing my .018"-slot, preadjusted-bracket cases with .016" x .022" archwires for three-dimensional force control, or round wires to allow settling, I have found that .017" x .017" stainless steel archwires combine the advantages of both wire types. The movement of this wire in the .018" slot permits natural settling of the buccal occlusion, improves the efficiency of closing mechanics, and reduces binding and fracturing of ceramic brackets. Predictable torquing bends can easily be placed in the archwire, or overlaid torquing auxiliaries can be used. There is less tendency to overtorque the upper incisors during bite opening or finishing, and archform is well controlled. A closed bite can often be treated with only two archwires--an .016" x .022" ultralight nickel titanium wire such as NeoSentalloy 80 for initial leveling, and the .017" x .017" for bite opening, space closure, and finishing.
