Orthodontic wire and method for the moving of teeth

A method for selectively moving teeth comprising the steps of:

• (a) attaching a plurality of brackets to a plurality of teeth;
• (b) positioning an orthodontic wire within said plurality of brackets, said wire having a preformed shape, wherein said wire is deflected from its original shape by application of a loading force;
• and
• (c) permitting said deformed wire to return towards its original shape, thereby causing said plurality of teeth to move with said return of said wire;
• wherein said wire comprises a first metallic layer and a second layer, said first and second layers are of two distinct materials, said wire exhibits a predetermined degree of springback suitable for the selective movement of teeth, said first layer is of a material which, because of its mechanical properties, would be suitable for use as an orthodontic wire by itself, said second layer is of a material which has less elasticity than the material of the first layer, wherein said wire delivers a light, substantially continuous force to said teeth, and said first and second layers are braided to one another.