Abstract: An orthodontic archwire having a specific, saddle-like configuration and being composed of a near-stoichiometric alloy of nickel and titanium which possesses memory retaining characteristics, the archwire having a first, second and third curved section, wherein the first and second curved sections include two different radii of curvature which extend distally from the midline of the archwire, and the third curved section includes two radii of curvature extending distally from the midline of the archwire, so that the preset form of the archwire resembles a saddle-like configuration.