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 orthodontic wax primarily used for?
Answer: To relieve irritation from brackets or wires rubbing against the cheeks and lips
Patients apply orthodontic wax over sharp or protruding bracket edges and poking wire ends to create a smooth barrier that prevents soft tissue irritation.
What is a molar band in orthodontic treatment?
Answer: A thin metal ring cemented around a molar that anchors orthodontic appliances
A molar band is a stainless steel ring cemented around a back molar, providing a strong anchor point for the archwire and other appliances such as headgear or expanders.
What is the primary function of the archwire in a set of braces?
Answer: To apply continuous pressure through the brackets to guide teeth into proper alignment
The archwire threads through every bracket and acts as a guide rail, exerting steady pressure that gradually moves teeth toward their target positions.
What distinguishes a self-ligating bracket from a conventional bracket?
Answer: It has a built-in clip or sliding door that holds the archwire without elastic ties
Self-ligating brackets use an integrated sliding mechanism or door to hold the archwire, eliminating the need for elastic or metal ligature ties and often reducing friction.
What materials are orthodontic separators (spacers) most commonly made of?
Answer: Soft rubber or metal springs
Most separators are small rings of soft rubber, though metal spring separators are also used; both work by wedging between teeth to push them slightly apart.
In orthodontics, what is a bracket?
Answer: The small device bonded to each tooth surface that holds the archwire in place
A bracket is a small metal, ceramic, or plastic component bonded directly to the surface of each tooth; it holds the archwire and transmits its forces to move the tooth.
What is an orthodontic cheek retractor used for?
Answer: To hold the cheeks and lips away from teeth during clinical photos and procedures
A cheek retractor is a plastic tool used by orthodontists to pull the lips and cheeks away from the teeth, providing clear visibility for clinical photography, examinations, and certain procedures.