ORTHO LAB PREP

Question 1

What instruments are commonly used in an orthodontics lab?

Answer 1

• No. 64 universal pliers
• No. 65 coil formers
• Wire cutters

Question 2

What does ARAB stand for?

Answer 2

• Active component = source of force for tooth movement
• Retention = resistance to displacement forces
• Anchorage = resistance to unwanted tooth movement
• Baseplate = connects all components together and provides support and retention

Question 3

What are examples of retentive appliance components?

Answer 3

• Adam’s clasps
• Southend clasps
• Labial bows
• C-clasps

Question 4

What checks should be done to the appliance once you receive it from the lab?

Answer 4

• check appliance is for correct patient (DOB, name etc)
• check appliance matches the prescription you provided to the lab
• check for any sharp edges by running your finger over the appliance surfaces
• check integrity of the wire work (is there any signs of damage or weak spots)

Question 5

What should you check when you place an URA into a patients mouth for the first time?

Answer 5

• check for areas of blanching on soft tissues
• check posterior retention
• check anterior retention
• check that flyovers are not interfering with occlusion
• activate the appliance
• demonstrate correct insertion & removal
• book review appointment for 4/6weeks time

Question 6

What information do you give to a patient who you have just given an URA?

Answer 6

• Appliance may feel big and bulky in time (will get used to this)
• May cause initial excessive salivation (only for 24 hours)
• May impinge speech (practise reading at home and tongue will adjust)
• May cause initial discomfort or ache (this is normal and shows appliance is working)

Question 7

What specific instructions do you give to a patient who has just received an URA?

Answer 7

• Must be worn 24/7 (including eating and sleeping)
• Remove after meals and clean with a soft brush
• Remove and store in protective container when playing contact sports
• Avoid hot foods and hard sticky foods that may damage the appliance
• Non-compliance will significantly increase treatment time

Question 8

A patient present to your practise with a digit sucking habit, what do you suggest to help stop this?

Answer 8

• positive reinforcement
• identify triggers and attempt to reverse habit
• bitter flavoured nail varnish
• elastomers/elastoplasts on fingers
• URA: palatal crib/inve

Question 9

What URA would you prescribe to correct an anterior crossbite on 12?

Answer 9

A: 12; Z-spring; 0.5mm HSSW
R: 14 + 24; Adams Clasps; 0.7mm HSSW
16 + 26; Adams Clasps; 0.7mm HSSW
A: Moving only 1 tooth so okay
B: Self-cure PMMA
Posterior Bite Plane (PBP)

Question 10

What URA would you prescribe to reduce a 6mm overjet (22, 21, 11, 12) + reduce overbite?

Answer 10

A: 22, 21, 11, 12; Roberts retractor; 0.5mm HSSW + 0.5mm I.D tubing
13 + 23; Mesial stops; 0.7mm (flattened) HSSW
R: 16 + 26; Adams Clasps; 0.7mm HSSW
A: Moving 4 teeth
B: Self-cure PMMA
FABP; overjet (6mm) + 3mm so 9mm