Aim: To compare the surface topography and composition of As-received and retrieved initial archwires using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Materials and methods: The as-received round 0.016-inch stainless steel and nickel titanium archwires were taken from wire packets. The surface and composition of retrieved 0.016-inch stainless steel and nickel-titanium wires (n = 15), in service intraorally for at least 2 months, were compared using SEM and EDS. Results: The SEM images of As-received wires showed surface irregularities. The As-received stainless steel wire was found to be rougher than the As-received nickel titanium wire. In comparison with the As-received wire, the retrieved stainless steel archwires revealed deeper grooves, pits, and areas of corrosion. The retrieved nickel titanium wires, on the comparison, revealed no appreciable difference. The EDS analysis showed leaching of iron, nickel, and chromium in stainless steel wires and leaching of nickel in nickel-titanium wires. Oxygen and carbon concentrations were increased in both. Conclusion: There does occur a change in the surface topography and composition of wires after use intraorally. Changes were more appreciable in stainless steel wires than nickel-titanium wires. Leaching and deposition of surface elements need to be correlated with the toxic human levels. Clinical significance: Surface topography and surface roughness of the orthodontic archwires affect the efficacy of orthodontic treatment. This study will try and elicit the qualitative and quantitative changes in the initial archwires with respect to surface topography and surface roughness and also attempt to shed some light on the ways to minimize any alterations.