Orthodontic Procedures & Appliances Flashcards
7 cards from real EFDA 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 Procedures & Appliances flashcards as text
What does a rapid palatal expander (RPE) accomplish in orthodontic treatment?
Answer: It widens the maxillary arch by gradually separating the midpalatal suture
The RPE is activated incrementally, applying lateral force to the palatal shelves that separates the unfused midpalatal suture, increasing the width of the maxillary arch to treat constriction or posterior crossbite.
Why are superelastic nickel-titanium archwires preferred for the initial stage of orthodontic treatment?
Answer: They deliver light, continuous forces and can engage severely malpositioned brackets
Superelastic NiTi wires have shape memory and low load-deflection, meaning they apply gentle, sustained forces even when deflected significantly to engage brackets on extremely misaligned teeth.
What type of force does an orthodontic headgear primarily apply?
Answer: Extraoral force to restrict maxillary forward growth or retract maxillary teeth
Headgear uses an external facebow inserted into molar tubes connected by straps to a cervical pad or headcap, applying extraoral orthopedic or orthodontic force to the maxilla.
If a patient calls to report a broken or loose bracket between appointments, what is the most appropriate advice?
Answer: Schedule a prompt repair appointment and advise the patient to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
A broken bracket should be repaired promptly to avoid delaying treatment progress; avoiding hard foods prevents further breakage while the patient waits for the repair appointment.
What is the purpose of interarch elastics (rubber bands) that orthodontic patients wear between upper and lower brackets?
Answer: To apply forces between the upper and lower arches to correct jaw and bite relationships
Interarch elastics run from hooks on upper brackets or bands to hooks on lower brackets, generating forces that correct anteroposterior, vertical, or transverse discrepancies between the arches.
In orthodontics, the term 'debonding' refers to which procedure?
Answer: Removing directly bonded brackets from tooth surfaces at the conclusion of treatment
Debonding uses bracket-removing pliers to fracture the adhesive bond between the bracket base and enamel, followed by cleanup of residual adhesive and polishing of the tooth surface.
What is the typical interval between orthodontic adjustment appointments during active treatment?
Answer: Every 4 to 8 weeks
Most patients are scheduled every 4 to 8 weeks to allow sufficient biologic tooth movement and bone remodeling in response to the applied forces before wire changes or adjustments are made.