Archwire Preferences and Rationale Among Iraqi Orthodontists During the Alignment Stage of Fixed Orthodontics: An Online Survey-Based Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15218/edj.2025.10Keywords:
Orthodontic Wires Orthodontics, Corrective Dental Materials, Nickel-Titanium Alloys, Copper Alloys, Surveys and QuestionnairesAbstract
Background: Archwire selection is critical for optimizing tooth movement and patient comfort in orthodontic treatment. However, data on archwire preferences in Iraq is limited.
Objectives: To examine archwire preferences and selection practices among Iraqi orthodontists during the alignment stage of fixed orthodontic treatment.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 83 Iraqi orthodontists using an online questionnaire. Questions assessed demographics, archwire preferences, factors influencing selection, and perceptions of treatment efficiency.
Results: Traditional super-elastic nickel-titanium was the most frequently used archwire (55.4%), followed by 35°C thermo-active copper Ni-Ti (39.8%). Main factors influencing selection were achieving fast tooth movement (27.4%) and ease of manipulation (23.1%). Ease of manipulation and market availability showed statistically significant associations with archwire selection (p<0.05). Most respondents (71.1%) reported an average alignment duration of 6 months. According to 50.6% of respondents, Super-elastic Ni-Ti were the most effective in reducing treatment duration. However, 35°C copper Ni-Ti was rated as most clinically efficient (53% of respondents).
Conclusion: Iraqi orthodontists prefer super-elastic NiTi archwires for alignment, influenced by biomechanical properties and practical factors. Perceptions of efficiency varied between wire types. Further research is needed to directly compare clinical outcomes with different archwires.
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