A method for localized heat treatment of a region of an orthodontic wire employs a hot air source having a maximum flow rate of approximately 6-10 liters per minute to selectively heat a small region of the wire above a predetermined temperature to change its metallurgical properties while the wire is held in a desired shape by an instrument or fixture. After the wire has been maintained at temperature for the required period of time, it can be released and allowed to cool. For example, these capabilities are well-suited for shape-setting localized regions of austenitic Ni-Ti wire and for stress-relieving and normalizing heavily-worked stainless steel wire.
