Brackets, Archwires And Appliances

Question 1

What are A-E and their functions?

Answer 1

A - ligature
- holds the archwire to the brackets

B - archwire
- tied to brackets and applies forces to teeth

C - brackets
- connected to bands or tooth to hold archwire onto tooth

D - metal band
- cemented ring of metal round tooth, can hold bracket

E - elastic hooks and rubber bands
- hooks used to attach rubber bands
- bands used to move teeth / jaws

Question 2

What is this? What are its functions?

Answer 2

Transpalatal arch

• increases tooth root : bone surface area by attaching the first molars
• increases anchorage
• can be used for rotation

Question 3

What is this? Functions? Issues?

Answer 3

Transpalatal arch with nance button

Used for anchorage

Oral hygiene issue

Denture stomatitis issue

Tissue can become hyperplastic and grow over button

Question 4

What is this?

Uses?

Answer 4

Quad helix

Bilateral expansion

Unilateral / fan like expansion

Expansion in cleft patients

Rotation of molars

Habit breaking

Question 5

Advantages of fixed orthodontics?

Answer 5

3D movement of teeth

Harder to remove / compliance better

Works 24/7

Easy to use in lower arch too

Individual force applied to every tooth

Minimal palatal coverage

Less invasive on tongue

Bodily movement

Question 6

Disadvantages of fixed ortho?

Answer 6

Relapse

Decalcificaiton

Root resorption

Soft tissue trauma

Oral hygiene must be excellent

Poor anchorage

Cost

Aesthetics?

Question 7

Advantages of removable orthodontic appliances?

Answer 7

Question 8

Disadvantages of removable orthodontic appliances

Answer 8

Only tipping movement

Compliance is often poorer as pt can remove appliance

Only move 1-2 teeth without compromising anchorage

Less precise tooth control