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An arch bar is a dental or oral surgery device attached along the teeth to help stabilize the jaws. It is commonly used for maxillomandibular fixation, which holds the upper and lower jaws in a controlled position. Arch bars are often made of metal and secured with wires or screws depending on the system. They are used by oral and maxillofacial surgeons for selected jaw fractures or bite stabilization.
read more about arch bar ...An arch bar is used to help align and immobilize the jaws during healing. It may be used for mandibular fractures, maxillary fractures, dental-alveolar injuries, or after certain jaw surgeries. The arch bar provides anchor points for wires, elastics, or fixation materials. The treatment plan depends on fracture type, bite alignment, teeth condition, and whether plates or other fixation are needed.
Traditional Erich arch bars are secured around teeth using wires. Hybrid arch bars may use screws to attach the bar to the jawbone, which can reduce wire handling around the teeth. Some systems use brackets, hooks, or elastics for controlled fixation. The surgeon chooses the type based on the injury, dentition, gum health, and need for stability.
The surgeon positions the arch bar along the dental arch and secures it with wires or screws. The upper and lower jaws may then be connected with elastics or wires to guide the bite. Placement is done with attention to tooth roots, gums, soft tissue, and fracture alignment. Patients receive instructions for diet, oral hygiene, pain control, and emergency wire release when needed.
Possible risks include gum irritation, tooth loosening, root injury, infection, mouth sores, wire pokes, poor hygiene, and difficulty eating or speaking. Oral cleaning is important because food and plaque can collect around the bar. Patients may need a soft or liquid diet while fixation is in place. Breathing trouble, vomiting with jaws fixed, fever, worsening swelling, or broken fixation should be addressed urgently.
No. They may look similar, but arch bars are used for jaw stabilization or fracture treatment rather than routine tooth movement.
The timing depends on the fracture, healing, and surgeon’s plan. They may stay in place for several weeks or longer if needed.
Diet is usually limited. Many patients need soft, blended, or liquid foods depending on whether the jaws are wired or held with elastics.
There can be soreness, gum irritation, or wire discomfort. Pain, swelling, sores, or loose wires should be reported to the care team.
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Comparison among 3 maxillomandibular fixation techniques. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12273417/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Use of Arch Bars versus IMF-Screws in Maxillomandibular Fixation. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12443450/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Are maxillomandibular fixation screws a better option than Erich arch bars in achieving maxillomandibular fixation? PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21470746/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Treatment of Mandibular Fractures Using Intermaxillary Fixation and Vacuum Formed Splints. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4518811/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.