Orthodontic Pliers description and usage

Orthodontic Pliers description and usage

Orthodontic Pliers

Most orthodontists and general dentists who perform orthodontic work keep several pairs of orthodontic pliers on hand. These pliers can be used for a variety of specific tasks, including archwire work like loop forming and contouring, as well as torqueing and placing stops in the arch wire. They’re designed to fit in the mouth for easy orthodontic appliance adjustment, and give clinicians more control during placement and removal.

What Types of Orthodontic Pliers Are Available for My Practice?

Band Removing Orthodontic Pliers

As the name implies, band removing orthodontic pliers help remove bands, brackets and adhesives. Construction material should be high-grade stainless steel or steel with a chromium and carbon blend. The tip or beak of the band removing orthodontic pliers may be serrated or specially formatted for precision gripping. There may be a replaceable plastic pad on the end of the tip for proper occlusal counterforce. These pliers may be better suited for anterior bands or posterior bands, or may work for both anterior and posterior bands. They should be corrosion resistant and autoclavable. The grip should be comfortable and long enough for proper accessibility. Be sure to choose a reputable vendor who uses high quality construction materials.

Hollow Chop Orthodontic Pliers

Hollow chop orthodontic pliers are used for reshaping and contouring arch wires and forming palatal arches. The tips are mated convex and concave jaws designed to make reshaping simple and precise. These pliers work well on stainless as well as nickel titanium arch wires up to 0.020 inches. Choosing orthodontic pliers forged from surgical grade stainless steel can help ensure strength and durability as well as corrosion resistance. As with any orthodontic tool, sterilization is important, and a product that is fully autoclavable is an advantage.

Tweed Loop Forming Plier with Cutter TC GOLD

Loop forming orthodontic pliers are designed to create loops in arch wires. These pliers have specially designed tips to facilitate the creation of the loops in wires of different shapes, so be sure to have pliers designed to work with the wire you are using on a specific case. Usually fabricated from stainless steel, these pliers should be durable, autoclavable and ready to handle all your loop forming needs.

Hook Bracket Orthodontic Pliers

Hook bracket orthodontic pliers are used for removing brackets with hooks. These pliers feature specially designed tip that can gain a hold of the brackets without damaging them. A variety of hook bracket pliers are available with different tip lengths and angulations. These pliers should be constructed from stainless steel or another highly durable metal that is easy to sterilize. The hinge and tips should be sturdy as well to withstand the pressures of regular use.