List of Orthodontic Tools
A dentist who has studied orthodontia is the person who would apply and monitor your braces. An orthodontist will make adjustments on your braces throughout the duration of wearing them. The orthodontist has a variety of tools that he works with to help him accomplish the task of making your braces assure a straighter and more attractive smile.
- Band removers: These are pliers that an orthodontist uses to take the tiny rubber bands off that are on your braces.
- Bite stick: The orthodontist uses this tool to apply the bands on your teeth. When you bite down on this the band is pushed in to its proper place.
- Cheek retractor: This is a plastic piece that fits in your mouth to help hold your lips and cheeks back. This allows the orthodontist to be able to see inside your mouth better.
- Curing light: This is a UV light that enables the orthodontist to apply the brackets to your teeth.
- Distal end cutter: These pliers allow the orthodontist to snip the loose pieces off of your wires.
- Explorer: This is an instrument that has a hook at the end of it. The orthodontist uses this to examine your mouth and teeth.
- Interproximal stripper: This tool allows the orthodontist to clean the enamel between your teeth.
- Mathieu pliers: This instrument enables the orthodontist to grasp on to small parts while he is working. It locks when it closes around the part.
- Pin and ligature cutter: This tool is a pliers that snips off any ends that are hanging and loose.
- Scaler: This curved hook tool enables the orthodontist to remove cement fragments that have lodged between the teeth. It also checks any areas that have spaces between them.
- Twirl on: This instrument helps the orthodontist to apply the wires between the brackets.