Orthodontic Appliances and Accessories Flashcards
7 cards from real Dental practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Orthodontic Appliances and Accessories flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a transpalatal arch (TPA)?
Answer: To connect upper molars and maintain their width and position
A transpalatal arch connects upper first molars across the roof of the mouth to stabilize their position and prevent unwanted lateral movement during treatment.
What is the main purpose of a Nance appliance?
Answer: To prevent upper molars from moving forward into extraction spaces
A Nance appliance anchors upper molars using an acrylic button pressed against the palate, preventing them from drifting forward after teeth are extracted.
What are orthodontic coil springs used for?
Answer: To open or close spaces between teeth
Open coil springs push teeth apart to create space, while closed coil springs pull teeth together to close gaps, both working via the archwire.
What is the function of a bite plate or bite turbo?
Answer: To prevent the upper and lower teeth from fully occluding so bite correction can proceed
Bite plates and bite turbos create a temporary open bite by preventing teeth from fully touching, which allows orthodontic forces to correct the bite without interference.
What best describes a Forsus appliance?
Answer: A fixed spring mechanism attached to braces that continuously corrects overbites by advancing the lower jaw
The Forsus appliance is a fixed spring attached to the upper and lower braces that constantly pushes the lower jaw forward to correct overbites, replacing the need for headgear or rubber bands.
What is the main purpose of a lower lingual arch?
Answer: To maintain space in the lower arch and prevent molars from moving forward
A lower lingual arch is a space maintainer that runs along the inside of the lower teeth between molars, preventing them from drifting forward after primary teeth are lost early.
What is the function of orthodontic ligature ties?
Answer: To secure the archwire into each bracket slot
Ligature ties — either tiny elastic rings or thin metal wires — wrap around each bracket to hold the archwire securely in the bracket slot so forces are transmitted to the teeth.