Archwire Centermark options

"The Dimple(TM)" option
A Brief History

During the mid 1970's Dr. Andreasen was instrumental in developing nickel titanium rectangular arch wires. It was his patent (#4,037,324) that introduced light torque to orthodontics through rectangular nickel titanium arch wires. As Dr. Andreasen continued his research with nickel titanium arch wires, he realized there was a recurring problem. The wires were so resilient they would slide through the brackets as the teeth started to align, causing the wire to slide out of the buccal tubes. This caused irritation to the patients, and in many cases emergency visits to the doctor to cut or replace the wire.

Doctor Andreasen was impressed with the clinical results he was able to get using nickel titanium wires, but was determined to eliminate the sliding concern he and his colleagues shared. After carefully studying the problem they developed and arch wire with a strategically placed lateral protrusion that Ultimate Wireforms calls "The Dimple (TM)". In February of 1990 Dr. Andreasen was awarded a patent (#4,037,324) for his efforts. Dr. Andreasen states in his patent that the lateral protrusion which is placed in the centerline of the wire must be large enough and lie in a direction that will not allow the wire to pass through the bracket slot. Even though a large enough protrusion in any direction will stop the arch wire from sliding through the bracket, the safest and most effective direction of the protrusion is a vertical dimple 90 degrees outside of the plane of the archwire.

"The Dimple(TM)" option

Our vertical dimple was carefully designed to protrude occlusally or gingivally (it's your option) and not to protrude labially or lingually. The vertical protrusion eliminates the concern of a lingual protrusion rubbing against the teeth and potentially removing enamel or labial protrusion which can cause lip irritation. "The Dimple(TM)" is a permanent center mark in the arch wire. "The Dimple" eliminates the need to struggle with the arch wire by trying to cinch behind the buccal tubes and virtually eliminates the possibility of the wire sliding out of the buccal tube. "The Dimple" permanent center line option is one to seriously consider if reduced chair time is important. Ultimate owns a semi-exclusive right to manufacture Dimpled arch wires from the University of Iowa.

The Etching Option

The etched centermark gives the clinician a second centermark option. This centermark is etched into the wire and does not rub off. It is dark grey to light black in color. Three (3) lines indicate an upper arch form and a single (1) line indicates a lower arch form.