Stainless Wires Used in Dentistry and Orthodontics
2 min read OSAK
Seeing dentists among the customers of a wire and wire rope company may seem surprising at first. Yet orthodontic and dental prosthetic laboratories regularly use high-quality stainless spring wire. Removable orthodontic appliances, Hawley retainers, retainers and clasps are all shaped from this wire.
Where is wire used in a dental laboratory?
- Removable appliances: Springs that move teeth, labial bows and retentive clasps.
- Hawley and retention plates: The labial bow that holds teeth in place after treatment.
- Removable partial dentures: Wire clasps that retain the denture on the teeth.
- Temporary and repair work: Reinforcement wire in broken denture repairs.
Which diameters are preferred?
Laboratory work generally uses spring-temper stainless wire between Ø 0.5 mm and Ø 1.2 mm. Thin diameters (0.5–0.7 mm) are preferred for springs and fine bends; medium diameters (0.7–0.9 mm) for clasps and labial bows; thicker diameters (1.0–1.2 mm) for reinforcement and support elements. The exact choice depends on the clinician’s and technician’s preference.
What makes a good orthodontic wire?
- It should keep its shape after bending (spring property),
- be shaped repeatedly without breaking,
- not corrode in the oral environment,
- and have a smooth surface with a uniform diameter.
Supply to dental laboratories from OSAK
We offer our stainless steel wires in straight lengths or coils, also in small quantities. We ship to clinics and laboratories across Türkiye and provide wholesale pricing for laboratories that order regularly. For details, see our dentistry application page.
Note: Compliance of materials used in the mouth with the relevant regulations and clinical protocols is the clinician’s responsibility.
