Hybrid orthodontic archwires

Abstract

Hybrid orthodontic archwire designs are disclosed. Hybrid archwires may have bracket-archwire sections and interproximal archwire sections in which each section can vary in cross-section shape, size, and/or material properties. Bracket-archwire sections may be configured to promote torque control and may have rectangular cross-sections. Interproximal archwire sections may be configured to be bent into force-promoting loops and may have round cross sections. Each archwire section may be straight or bent into any shape. Hybrid archwires may have sliding sections and non-sliding sections. Non-sliding sections may have male connectors configured to prevent the archwire from sliding relative to the orthodontic brackets and/or may have cross-sectional shapes, sizes, or coatings that resist sliding relative to sliding sections. Sliding sections may have linear archwire segments. Hybrid archwires may have distal or posterior non-sliding sections and an intermediate anterior or medial sliding section.