You may be wondering, “What tool does an orthodontist use?” Well, let’s start with a quick overview of this profession. An orthodontist will use various instruments and tools to place braces on the teeth. These tools include a Distal end cutter, a Bird beak, tweezers, a nail clipper, and a bird’s beak.
Distal end cutter
A distal end cutter is a special tool used by an orthodontist to cut wires. It can cut hard, round, and braided wire. This tool is designed to cut wires up to.028″ square or.025″ round. It can also cut arch wires flush with the buccal tube. It has a long handle to make cutting easier for the operator.
The distal end cutter is a special plier with two cutting surfaces placed at right angles to the long axis of the instrument. It is used to cut the ends of archwires used for braces. Its blades catch and hold the wire as it is being cut, preventing the loose end from hurting the patient. Other tools orthodontists use include Mathieu pliers, a pair of pliers with a quick-release locking mechanism that can be used to place elastomeric ligatures. The 139 pliers are also useful for making bends in orthodontic wires.
This tool is designed to cut all types of wire. It is made from surgical-grade German steel and features tungsten carbide inserts to provide edge strength and wire-forming efficiency. It comes with a box joint hinge and ergonomically designed handles.
Bird beak
A bird beak is a handy tool used by orthodontists for various tasks. It is used to cut wire, shape wire, and adjust retainers. It is a precision handcrafted tool with a 440A stainless steel beak. Its angled jaw prevents the wire from scoring and provides a firm grip.
There are three kinds of bird beaks. Some have serrated tips for better gripping. Others are round or concave and made of hardened steel. Both types are great for cutting wire and bending wire edge-wise. They are useful for making precise adjustments in retainers and other appliances.
The most common beak type is cylindrical and has a square shape on one side. The beaks are concave on the other side, which allows for uniform forming and non-slip grip. The beaks also have a flat section in the rear section, which can be used to straighten or bend the wire.
Tweezers
Tweezers are a tool used to cut wire for orthodontic treatment. They can cause mouth sores and can also hurt the gums. Tweezers are a necessity for any orthodontist’s tool kit. This tool will help the orthodontist move wires to place, bend, and bend brackets.
Tweezers are also used to fix archwires that have slipped out of the molar bracket. The wire will need to be inserted back into the bracket slot. Sometimes an adult needs to help with this. To do this, the tweezers should be kept clean, so they do not cut the wire. If the wire is not secure, the orthodontist may use wax to hold it in place until the next appointment.
Tweezers can be curved, flat, or round. Tweezers with flat surfaces cut wire more easily and with less mechanical force than those with narrow tips. A well-rounded tweezer has a high resistance to organic solvents and is ergonomically designed. Tweezers with sharp tips can cause nicks or snags.
Nail clipper
In the office, an orthodontist may use a nail clipper to cut wire to adjust braces. This tool has a distal end that grips the wire and makes it easier to cut. It can be useful when wires become loose due to careless brushing or biting on hard objects. A nail clipper is also useful for repairing a broken wire.
The tool is commonly stainless steel, though it can be made from plastic or aluminum. It has a plier-like handle and often comes with a small file to polish rough edges. One of the most common styles of nail clippers is the multi-purpose clipper, invented by Hungarian inventor David Gestetner. The concave head of the tool cuts a wire in two directions parallel to its principal axis.
The end of an orthodontic wire can sometimes work its way out of place, causing the patient to be bothered. If this happens, you can try to push the wire back into position with disinfected tweezers or a cotton bud. If this is not enough, a nail clipper can be used to cut the wire and wrap it in gauze.
“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.”