Patent Publication Number: US-2023146008-A1

Title: Orthodontic Arch Wires &amp; Methods of Use for Prevention of Flaring of Anterior Teeth During Alignment

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/030,345; Filed: May 27, 2020; the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to orthodontic arch wires and the use of the same to facilitate the alignment of teeth. The present invention relates more specifically to orthodontic arch wires and methods for use of the same to achieve dental treatment objectives with minimal side effects (such as flaring of anterior teeth). 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The present invention addresses some of the problems associated with existing arch wires and methods of use that frequently result in undesirable side effects during the alignment process. Such undesirable side effects include, but are not limited to, the flaring of anterior teeth during the alignment process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides arch wires (referred to hereinbelow as RA arches) that are orthodontic arch wires with specific shapes and bends designed to encourage expansion of the posterior teeth while preventing the flaring of anterior teeth during the alignment phase. The arch wires of the present invention divide the dentition into sections and treat each section differently so as to minimize undesirable effects during the alignment process. While the arch wires of the present invention are used to improve mechanics with non-extraction, they can also be used in extraction cases to avoid round tripping and some iatrogenic side effects that can occur by engaging all the teeth at the same time. The arch wires of the present invention can be preformed or customized to each case. The arch wires of the present invention are generally of two types, hereinbelow referred to as S-RA arches and C-RA arches. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire of the present invention showing the defined regions of the arch wire. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire shown in  FIG.  1 A  showing the defined regions of the arch wire and the anterior section “radius step” element of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 C  is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire shown in  FIG.  1 A  showing the defined regions of the arch wire and the optional anterior section “vertical step” element of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 D  is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire shown in  FIG.  1 A  showing the defined regions of the arch wire and the optional anterior section “vertical step” element of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 E  is a three dimensional view of the bend of one of the lateral sections of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire shown in  FIG.  1 A  showing the anterior section “radius step” element and the optional anterior section “vertical step” element of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a plan view (looking downward) of an example of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a plan view (looking upward) of an example of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a maxillary (upper) set of teeth. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a top plan partial view (looking downward) of an example of the preferred embodiment of the orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth, configured with symmetrical lateral wings. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a top plan partial view (looking downward) of an example of the preferred embodiment of the orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth, configured with asymmetrical wings (one lateral wing and one mesial wing). 
         FIG.  3 C  is a top plan partial view (looking downward) of an example of the preferred embodiment of the orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth, configured with reversed asymmetrical wings (one lateral wing and one mesial wing). 
         FIG.  3 D  is a top plan partial view (looking downward) of an example of the preferred embodiment of the orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth, configured with symmetrical mesial wings. 
         FIG.  4    is a plan view (looking downward) of an example of a customization of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth. 
         FIG.  5    is a flowchart of the basic method steps associated with the general approach to treatment implementing the system and methods of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  6 A &amp;  6 B  are flowcharts of the methods steps associated with a first example of the implementation of the system and methods of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 P  are front profile and top plan views of summary examples of categories of lower arches according to the present invention. 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 F  are front profile and top plan views of summary examples of categories of upper arches according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The arch wires of the present invention (referred to hereinbelow as RA arches) are orthodontic arch wires with specific shape and bends to primarily encourage expansion of the posterior teeth while preventing the flaring of anterior teeth during the alignment phase. The arch wires of the present invention divide the dentition into sections and treats them differentially. While the arch wires of the present invention are used to improve mechanics with non-extraction, they can also be used in extraction cases to avoid round tripping and some iatrogenic side effects that can happen by engaging all the teeth at the same time. 
     The arch wires of the present invention can be preformed or customized to each case. The arch wires of the present invention are of two types, hereinbelow referred to as S-RA arches and C-RA arches. In the methods of the present invention the use of S-RA arch wires is followed by the use of C-RA arch wires. S-RA are Sectional RA arch wires. These wires have three distinct sections as described in more detail below. Generally, these sections include: 
     Anterior Section—This anterior section is primarily for alignment and intrusion of teeth. This section can cover all of the incisors, or some of the incisors along with a canine, or all anterior teeth. This section is vertically more occlusal than the tooth/teeth in the lateral section. 
     Lateral Sections—These sections may each have one or more teeth. Usually it is the canine but can also include a lateral incisor or the first premolar. This section of the wire bulges out laterally from the anterior section to accommodate the more labial or buccal position of the teeth in this region. This portion of the wire is not engaged on the bracket of these teeth. On the other hand, the teeth may be moved, most likely distal, occlusal and lingual, by bonding buttons and using elastics or power chain. 
     Posterior Sections—These sections are distal to the lateral sections and are used to align and expand the teeth in the posterior region. 
     Summary of Functions of S-RA: alignment and expansion of premolars and molars; alignment of incisors/anterior, without causing flaring; intrusion or extrusion of the anterior segment; and canine movement caused by bonded bracket/button, mostly in occluso-distal and lingual position (possibly opening space between incisor and premolar on lingual). Canine movement will depend on malocclusion. Upper canine will almost always need distal. Lower canine may need labial if there is need to increase intercanine width, distal or even mesial (in Cl II compensation). 
     Types of S-RA: RA arch with mesial wing (for more mesial position of the lateral section); RA arch with lateral wing; and RA arch with mesial wing on one side, lateral wing on other (can be flipped). Each of these come in different arch wires sizes—014, 016, 018, 16λ22, 17λ22, 14λ25, 20λ20, 19λ25. Each of these wire sizes can be in nickel titanium (NiTi) or stainless steel (SS). Each of these also come in 0° or 20° torque (wire can be flipped for negative torque) in the anterior section. Exception: When intercanine space is reduced with one or more proclined incisors and canines are in good position, stay off the incisors with RA arch. Use segmental alignment on incisors with different wire. Engage canine-molar on both sides if: intercanine width is reduced and canines are in good position in the arch; and incisors are proclined to start with, with or without crowding. 
     C-RA are consolidation RA arch wires. They are used after the S-RA have achieved their objectives. The process involves bonding the canine/teeth in the lateral section and engaging the C-RA arch wires accordingly. C-RA are used for: including teeth in lateral section in the arch; close extraction/other spaces; to continue to establish vertical relationships between upper and lower incisors; and finishing and detailing. 
     C-RA have: upper C-RA have occlusal step for 2-2; lower C-RA have gingival step for 3-3; each of these may have 0° or 20° torque for incisors; and each of these arch wires also come in 0° or 20° buccal root torque for posterior teeth. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E  for a detailed description of the basic structures of the arch wire of the present invention.  FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire of the present invention showing the specifically defined regions of the arch wire.  FIG.  1 A  shows a maxillary (upper) arch wire  10  structured from configured wire  12 . The basic structure is made up of posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b ; lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b ; and in the basic embodiment, anterior section  18 . The transition from posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b  to the anterior section  18  is made through lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b  through bends  17   a  &amp;  17   b . Bends  17   a  &amp;  17   b  provide a radius step and an optional vertical step and establish the primary unique structures of the present invention. 
     Also shown in  FIG.  1 A  is an optional compound embodiment with anterior section  19  shown in broken line form. This alternate embodiment for arch wire  10  is again made up of posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b  and lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b  but includes an additional angle within bends  17   a  &amp;  17   b . In this case, the transition from posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b  to the anterior section  19  is still made through lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b  through bends  17   a  &amp;  17   b . In addition to the standard radius step, bends  17   a  &amp;  17   b  are preferably compound bends and include a vertical step that places anterior section  19  in a plane lower (in the maxillary arch) than posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b.    
       FIG.  1 B  is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire shown in  FIG.  1 A  showing the defined regions of the arch wire and the anterior section “radius step” element of the present invention. wire. As in  FIG.  1 A , maxillary (upper) arch wire  10  is structured from configured wire  12 . The basic structure is made up of posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b ; lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b ; and anterior section  18 . The transition from posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b  to the anterior section  18  is made through lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b  through bends as described above. 
     In this view of  FIG.  1 B , only the radius step in the bend region of the lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b  is shown. This region is referred to as having a “radius step” due to the inward step shown by the difference between the radius of posterior sections curve R 1  and the radius of anterior section curve R 2 . At the front of the arch this difference (R 1 −R 2 ) is the radius step distance D 1 . This inward step is structured for the reasons described above and is established with angle of lateral section bend a (as measure in the horizontal plane). 
       FIG.  1 C  is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire shown in  FIG.  1 A  showing the defined regions of the arch wire and the optional anterior section “vertical step” element of the present invention.  FIG.  1 C  again shows a maxillary (upper) arch wire  10  structured from configured wire  12 . The basic structure is made up of posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b ; lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b ; and in the basic embodiment, anterior section  18 . The transition from posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b  to the anterior section  18  is made through lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b  and is made without departing from the horizontal plane established by the posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b.    
     Also shown in  FIG.  1 C  is the optional compound embodiment with anterior section  19  shown in broken line form. This alternate embodiment for arch wire  10  is made up of posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b  that here translate into lateral sections  15   a  &amp;  15   b  that each include an additional angle within bends as shown. Therefore, in addition to the standard radius step (not visible in  FIG.  1 C ) the compound bends shown include a vertical step that places anterior section  19  in a plane lower (in the maxillary arch) than posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b . The vertical step distance is shown in  FIG.  1 C  as vertical step distance D 2 . 
       FIG.  1 D  is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire shown in  FIG.  1 A  showing the defined regions of the arch wire and the optional anterior section “vertical step” element of the present invention.  FIG.  1 D  again shows a maxillary (upper) arch wire  10  structured from configured wire  12 . The basic structure is made up of posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b  (only  14   b  visible in  FIG.  1 D ); lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b  (not visible in  FIG.  1 D ); and in the basic embodiment, anterior section  18  (also not visible in  FIG.  1 D ). The transition from posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b  to the anterior section  18  is made through lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b  which, because they are in the same plane and are directed inward, are not visible in this side view of  FIG.  1 D . 
     Also shown in  FIG.  1 D  is the optional compound embodiment with anterior section  19  shown in broken line form. This alternate embodiment for arch wire  10  is made up of posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b  (only  14   b  visible in  FIG.  1 D ) that here translate into lateral sections  15   a  &amp;  15   b  (only  15   b  visible in  FIG.  1 D ) that each include an additional angle within bends as shown. Therefore, in addition to the standard radius step (only partially visible in  FIG.  1 D ) the compound bends shown include a vertical step that places anterior section  19  in a plane lower (in the maxillary arch) than posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b . The vertical step distance is shown in  FIG.  1 D  as vertical step distance D 2 . The radius of anterior section curve R 2  is also shown in  FIG.  1 D  being the distance from the axis of anterior sections curve A 2  as measured to the anterior section  19  as shown. The axis of posterior sections curve A 1  is offset from the axis of anterior sections curve A 2  as shown (and as generally represented by the radius step distance D 1  shown in  FIG.  1 B ). The arch wire  10 , while not a complete circle and not a perfect circle (constant radius), does still generally comprise circular arc sections structured to be positioned next to the arcs of teeth in the patient&#39;s mouth. 
       FIG.  1 E  is a three dimensional view of the bend of one of the lateral sections of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire shown in  FIG.  1 A  showing the anterior section “radius step” element and the optional anterior section “vertical step” element of the present invention. In  FIG.  1 E  posterior section  14   b  is shown transitioning into lateral section (radius step only option)  16   b  through bend  21  in the horizontal plane. Lateral section (radius step only option)  16   b  then transitions into anterior section (radius step only option)  18  through bend  25  in the horizontal plane. 
     Also shown in  FIG.  1 E  (in broken line format) is the combination radius step and vertical step option with posterior section  14   b  transitioning into lateral section (radius step and vertical step option)  15   b  through compound bend  21 . Lateral section (radius step and vertical step option)  15   b  then transitions into anterior section (radius step and vertical step option)  19  through compound bend  23 . Once again, the radius step distance D 1  is shown as an inward step in the horizontal plane and the vertical step distance D 2  is shown as a downward (in the maxillary wire) step in the vertical plane. 
     Reference is next made to  FIGS.  2 A &amp;  2 B  for examples of a preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire of the present invention initially positioned as they might be within a progressive orthodontic treatment plan. Those skilled in the art will recognize that individual patients will have varying degrees of alignment concerns and will therefore benefit from the use of the arch wires of the present invention at different stages in an overall alignment treatment program. Once again it is one goal of the present invention to facilitate the initial alignment of certain teeth without misaligning other teeth in the process. 
       FIG.  2 A  is a plan view (looking downward) of an example of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth. In  FIG.  2 A , mandibular (lower) arch wire  20  is constructed of configured wire  22  with posterior sections  24   a  &amp;  24   b , transitioning to lateral sections  26   a  &amp;  26   b  and transitioning anterior section  28 . Important to note in  FIG.  2 A , in addition to the inward radial step formed by the lateral sections  26   a  &amp;  26   b , is the lack of engagement to bonded brackets/buttons on the canine teeth. 
       FIG.  2 B  is a plan view (looking upward) of an example of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a maxillary (upper) set of teeth. In  FIG.  2 B , maxillary (upper) arch wire  10  is constructed of configured wire  12  with posterior sections  14   a  &amp;  14   b , transitioning to lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b  and transitioning anterior section  18 . As with the mandibular arch wire, it is important to note in  FIG.  2 B , in addition to the inward radial step formed by the lateral sections  16   a  &amp;  16   b , is the lack of engagement to bonded brackets/buttons on the canine teeth. 
     Reference is next made to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  for detailed descriptions of the range of combinations of symmetrical and asymmetrical lateral wings possible with the elements of the present invention. All of the examples shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  are presented on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth although one skilled in the art will recognize the same or similar application of the variations to the maxillary (upper) set of teeth. In  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  major portions of the posterior sections of the arch wires are omitted for clarity. 
       FIG.  3 A  is a top plan partial view (looking downward) of an example of the preferred embodiment of the orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth, configured with symmetrical lateral wings. In  FIG.  3 A , mandibular (lower) arch wire  101  is constructed of configured wire  22  with posterior sections  24   a  &amp;  24   b  transitioning to lateral sections  26   a  &amp;  26   b  which in turn transition to anterior section  28 . In the symmetrical structure shown in  FIG.  3 A  the arch wire has similar lateral wings where each wing has a first lateral wing bend angle (“inward” in the horizontal plane) θ 1  that is less “severe” or more specifically is an acute angle structured to accommodate a less severely misaligned canine (for example). The second lateral wing bend angle (“outward” in the horizontal plane) bi is therefore also less “severe” or more specifically is an obtuse angle transitioning the wire to the anterior section  28  curve. 
       FIG.  3 B  is a top plan partial view (looking downward) of an example of the preferred embodiment of the orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth, configured with asymmetrical wings (one lateral wing and one mesial wing). In  FIG.  3 B , mandibular (lower) arch wire  102  is similarly constructed of configured wire  22  with posterior sections  24   a  &amp;  24   b  transitioning to lateral sections  26   a  &amp;  26   b  which in turn transition to anterior section  28 . In the asymmetrical structure shown in  FIG.  3 B , however, the arch wire has dissimilar wings where a first wing (the left side of the view of the mandibular set of teeth shown in  FIG.  3 B ) has a first lateral wing bend angle (“inward” in the horizontal plane) θ 1  that is less “severe” or more specifically is an acute angle structured to accommodate a less severely misaligned canine (for example). The second lateral wing bend angle (“outward” in the horizontal plane)  81  is therefore also less “severe” or more specifically is an obtuse angle transitioning the wire to the anterior section  28  curve. The second wing (the right side of the view of the mandibular set of teeth shown in  FIG.  3 B ) has a first mesial wing bend angle (“inward” in the horizontal plane) θ 2  that is more “severe” or more specifically is an obtuse angle structured to accommodate a more severely misaligned canine (for example). The second mesial wing bend angle (“outward” in the horizontal plane) δ 2  is therefore also more “severe” or more specifically is an acute angle transitioning the wire back to the anterior section  28  curve. 
       FIG.  3 C  is a top plan partial view (looking downward) of an example of the preferred embodiment of the orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth, configured with reversed asymmetrical wings (one lateral wing and one mesial wing). In  FIG.  3 C , mandibular (lower) arch wire  103  is similarly constructed of configured wire  22  with posterior sections  24   a  &amp;  24   b  transitioning to lateral sections  26   a  &amp;  26   b  which in turn transition to anterior section  28 . In the asymmetrical structure shown in  FIG.  3 C , as in  FIG.  3 B , the arch wire has dissimilar wings, this time with a first wing (the left side of the view of the mandibular set of teeth shown in  FIG.  3 C ) has a first mesial wing bend angle (“inward” in the horizontal plane) θ 2  that is more “severe” or more specifically is an obtuse angle structured to accommodate a more severely misaligned canine (for example). The second mesial wing bend angle (“outward” in the horizontal plane) δ 2  is therefore also more “severe” or more specifically is an acute angle transitioning the wire back to the anterior section  28  curve. The second wing (the right side of the view of the mandibular set of teeth shown in  FIG.  3 C ) has a first lateral wing bend angle (“inward” in the horizontal plane) θ 1  that is less “severe” or more specifically is an acute angle structured to accommodate a less severely misaligned canine (for example). The second lateral wing bend angle (“outward” in the horizontal plane) δ 1  is therefore also less “severe” or more specifically is an obtuse angle transitioning the wire to the anterior section  28  curve. 
       FIG.  3 D  is a top plan partial view (looking downward) of an example of the preferred embodiment of the orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth, configured with symmetrical mesial wings. In  FIG.  3 D , mandibular (lower) arch wire  104  is constructed of configured wire  22  with posterior sections  24   a  &amp;  24   b  transitioning to lateral sections  26   a  &amp;  26   b  which in turn transition to anterior section  28 . In the symmetrical structure shown in  FIG.  3 D  the arch wire has similar mesial wings where each wing has a first mesial wing bend angle (“inward” in the horizontal plane) θ 2  that is more “severe” or more specifically is an obtuse angle structured to accommodate a more severely misaligned canine (for example). The second mesial wing bend angle (“outward” in the horizontal plane) δ 2  is therefore also more “severe” or more specifically is an acute angle transitioning the wire back to the anterior section  28  curve. 
     Reference is next made to  FIG.  4    for a view of a customized use of the arch wire of the present invention that started with the basic arch wire shown in  FIG.  2 A  (as an example). Where crowded incisors prevent a straight (smooth curve) anterior section, the arch wire may be fitted to each tooth as a custom wire.  FIG.  4    is a plan view (looking downward) of an example of a customization of the preferred embodiment of the basic orthodontic arch wire of the present invention shown in place on a mandibular (lower) set of teeth. In  FIG.  4   , mandibular (lower) arch wire  30  is constructed of configured wire  32  with posterior sections  34   a  &amp;  34   b , transitioning to lateral sections  36   a  &amp;  36   b . In addition to the inward radial steps formed by the lateral sections  36   a  &amp;  36   b , outward radial steps are formed in the structure of anterior section  38 . Incisor offset regions  37   a  &amp;  37   b  are formed in anterior section  38  to accommodate the crowded incisors. This customized structure allows the orthodontist to initially focus on posterior expansion and creating space for the crowded incisors before subsequently trying to align the incisors. Other types of customizations departing off of the basic orthodontic arch wire of the present invention are anticipated. 
       FIG.  5    is a flowchart of the basic method steps associated with the general approach to treatment implementing the system and methods of the present invention. As with all orthodontic treatments, the initial Step  80  involves setting forth a clear “map” of the alignment to be carried out and a sequential set of steps to carry out the treatment. Step  82  involves identifying and listing the dental objectives in the treatment. Step  84  begins the process of defining the “map” of the plan by identifying the anterior, middle (lateral), and posterior sections. The actual treatment begins at Step  86  with the design (selection and customization) and engagement of Stage I (S-RA) wires addressing posterior transverse, anterior vertical, and alignment issues. 
     Continuing with the Stage I wires, the process proceeds at Step  88  to carry out sagittal correction and commence middle section correction. The improved middle section position that results allows for Step  90  which involves the design and engagement of Stage II (C-RA) wires to consolidate and complete treatment. Further completion of treatment (as described below) may occur at final Step  92  in the general approach. 
     Reference is finally made to  FIGS.  6 A &amp;  6 B  for a method flowchart providing an example (Example A) of step by step use of the process of the present invention in a case that has crowding in upper and lower arches, with blocked out canines. The process (initiated at method of use Step  100 ) involves the following steps: 
     At an initial visit (Step  109 ): The process of bonding brackets on all the teeth except for canines is carried out (Step  110 ). 
     At the same initial visit (Step  109 ): 016 S-RA NiTi (nickel titanium) wires are used to engage all the bracketed teeth, and to start alignment and expansion, as well as intrusion of lower anterior section, if needed (Step  112 ). 
     At the next visit (Step  113 ): 018 S-RA SS (stainless steel) replace the initial wires to continue expansion and improve deep overbite if needed (Step  114 ). Buttons are bonded on canines to distalize into extraction or slenderized spaces (Step  116 ). 
     At the next visit (Step  117 ): 19×25 NiTi replace the 018 S-RA SS to continue expansion of posterior sections, intrusion of anterior section and continue canine retraction (Step  118 ). 
     At the next visit (Step  119 ): 19×25 SS replace the 19×25 NiTi to continue expansion of posterior sections, intrusion of anterior section and continue canine retraction (Step  120 ). 
     The process of Example A continues (Connector B) with the steps shown in  FIG.  6 B  as follows: 
     At the next visit (Step  121 ): 018 C-RA NiTi replace the 19×25 SS to consolidate as one arch, and to improve vertical incisor position (Step  122 ). 
     At the next visit (Step  123 ): 14×25 C-RA NiTi replace the 018 C-RA NiTi to continue improvement of vertical incisor position (Step  124 ). 
     At the next visit (Step  125 ): 19×25 NiTi C-RA replace the 14×25 NiTi (Step  126 ) with settling elastics as needed (Step  128 ) to finish the case. The process of Example A is completed at Step  130 . 
     The above is an example of one clinical situation. As explained above, there can be many different variations, but the sequence will always be S-RA arch wires followed by C-RA arch wires. 
     Reference is finally made to  FIGS.  7 A- 7 P  and  FIGS.  8 A- 8 F  are front profile and top plan views of summary examples of categories of lower and upper arches according to the present invention. For the various examples of lower arches shown, the following regions of arch wire  210  are indicated on either side of a centerline for the arch. The basic structure is made up of posterior sections  214   a  &amp;  214   b ; lateral sections  216   a  &amp;  216   b ; and in the basic embodiment, anterior section  218 . The transition from posterior sections  214   a  &amp;  214   b  to the anterior section  218  is made through lateral sections  216   a  &amp;  216   b.    
       FIGS.  7 A &amp;  7 B  represent front and top views of the classic RA arch with mesial bend between incisors and canines with no vertical bends. This example of a lower RA arch is identified as the LRA embodiment. 
       FIGS.  7 C &amp;  7 D  represent front and top views of the classic RA arch with intrusion for incisors ( 2 - 2 ) through a diagonal compound bend. This example of a lower RA arch is identified as the LRA-V embodiment. 
       FIGS.  7 E &amp;  7 F  represent front and top views of the classic RA arch shown in  FIGS.  7 C &amp;  7 D , flipped to be used for extrusion of L 2 - 2  through the diagonal compound bend. This example of a lower RA arch is identified as the LRA-V Flipped embodiment. 
       FIGS.  7 G &amp;  7 H  represent front and top views of the classic RA arch with lateral bend between incisors and canines with no vertical bends. This example of a lower RA arch is identified as the LRA- 2  embodiment. 
       FIGS.  7 I &amp;  7 J  represent front and top views of the classic RA arch with intrusion for anterior teeth ( 3 - 3 ) through two bends (labio-lingual bend mesial to canines and intrusion bend distal to canines). This example of a lower RA arch is identified as the LRA- 2 V embodiment. 
       FIGS.  7 K &amp;  7 L  represent front and top views of the classic RA arch shown in  FIGS.  7 I &amp;  7 J , flipped to be used for extrusion of L 3 - 3 . This example of a lower RA arch is identified as the LRA- 2 V Flipped embodiment. 
       FIGS.  7 M- 7 L  represent front and top views of the classic RA arch with vertical bends between incisors and canines on one side and canines and premolars on the other side. This configuration can be structured to the right or to the left. These examples of a lower RA arch are identified as the LRA- 3 R and LRA- 3 L embodiments. 
     For the various examples of upper arches shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 F , the following regions of arch wire  310  are indicated on either side of a centerline for the arch. The basic structure is made up of posterior sections  314   a  &amp;  314   b ; lateral sections  316   a  &amp;  316   b ; and in the basic embodiment, anterior section  318 . The transition from posterior sections  314   a  &amp;  314   b  to the anterior section  318  is made through lateral sections  316   a  &amp;  316   b.    
       FIGS.  8 A &amp;  8 B  represent front and top views of the classic RA arch with mesial bend between incisors and canines with no vertical bends. This example of an upper RA arch is identified as the URA embodiment. 
       FIGS.  8 C &amp;  8 D  represent front and top views of the classic RA arch with intrusion for incisors ( 2 - 2 ) through a diagonal compound bend. This example of an upper RA arch is identified as the URA-V embodiment. 
       FIGS.  8 E &amp;  8 F  represent front and top views of the classic RA arch shown in  FIGS.  8 C &amp;  8 D  flipped in the manner shown. This example of an upper RA arch is identified as the URA-V Flipped embodiment. 
     Although the present invention has been described in association with a number of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments that still fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. As indicated above, the RA arches of the present invention may be provided in a number of basic configurations that may be used directly or customized as needed. The process of creating and/or customizing the RA arches of the present invention may be facilitated by the use of bending pliers structured with jaws that form predetermined bends according to the parameters of the devices and methods of the present invention. Preferred embodiments may therefore include pre-sized and pre-shaped RA arches and pre-sized wires that may be shaped with specific bending pliers to form the RA arches of the present invention.