Study of the adaptability of preformed orthodontic archwires to the average dental arch form of a Moroccan population.

Summary Introduction The aim of this study is to determine which commercially available preformed archwires offer a good fit with the average dental arch form of our sample. Materials and method We measured the dental arch parameters of sample 1 comprising 30 dental models and compared them with the dimensions of 25 archwires (sample 2) offered for sale by orthodontic suppliers. Results and discussion Of the 25 archwires tested, 10 correspond perfectly to the average dental arch form of our sample at canine and molar level (mean ± 1SD) and would be suitable for cases where the treatment plan involves no expansion. In addition, 3 archwires have a shape that is slightly wider than the average arch form in the sample and could be used for cases in which the treatment plan includes no extractions but simply a slight expansion.