Lesson 1Final intraoral checks and occlusal verification: ensuring no sharp edges, patient bite check, articulating paper if indicatedThis focuses on last mouth checks after tying. It includes looking for sharp bits, seating the archwire, bite checks, and using marking paper when needed.
Inspect brackets and tubes visuallyCheck for exposed or sharp wire endsVerify full archwire seatingAssess patient bite and comfortUse articulating paper if neededLesson 2Temporary management of loose brackets during sequence: isolation, placement of bracket on a gauze, protecting soft tissues and deciding whether to postpone bondingThis shows handling loose brackets found mid-sequence. It covers isolating, safe keeping on gauze, guarding soft tissues, noting down, and choosing to delay rebonding or go ahead after talking.
Recognize signs of loose bracketsIsolate bracket with gauze or cottonRemove bracket from archwire safelyStore bracket on labeled gauzeInform and consult orthodontistLesson 3Placing new ligatures (elastic): selecting size and color, single vs figure-of-eight technique, placement technique to avoid tissue impingementThis covers picking and placing elastic ligatures, size and colour. It compares single and figure-eight ways, stressing no tissue pinching or too much pull on brackets.
Select correct ligature size and typeColor selection and patient inputSingle tie versus figure-eight useStepwise placement around bracketsCheck for tissue impingementLesson 4Initial patient interaction and verification: identity confirmation, medical/dental history update, explain planned sequence in simple languageThis covers checking patient ID, updating health history, and explaining the wire and ligature change in easy words to aid safety, agreement, and teamwork.
Confirm identity with two identifiersReview medical alerts and medicationsUpdate dental and orthodontic historyExplain procedure in simple languageObtain and document informed consentLesson 5Placing metallic ligatures: twisting technique, appropriate tension, protecting gingiva and avoiding over-tighteningThis details placing metal ligatures, threading, twisting, tucking. It stresses right pull, no over-tightening, guarding gums and lips from sharp ends.
Select appropriate ligature gaugeThread ligature through tie wingsTwisting technique and tension controlCut and tuck pigtails safelyCheck for sharp or exposed endsLesson 6Identifying and managing debris and plaque before wire removal: plaque clearing, use of gauze, retraction for visibilityThis focuses on spotting plaque, food bits, tartar before wire out. It stresses pulling back, sucking, gauze for clear view, less germs, ready teeth for new wire.
Visual inspection for plaque and debrisUse of air, water, and suctionGauze use for wiping and isolationRetraction for visibility and accessPatient education on oral hygieneLesson 7Placing new archwires: selecting appropriate wire, pre-bending and trial fitting, insertion sequence for upper and lower archesThis outlines picking, pre-bending, test fitting new archwires. It details order for upper lower arches, handling crowds, smooth fit without hard push or tissue hurt.
Confirm prescribed wire size and alloyPre-bend and contour arch formTrial fit and adjust before full seatingInsertion sequence by quadrantManage crowding and rotated teethLesson 8Securing archwires and verifying fit: torque/engagement checks, trimming distal ends, using distal end cutters and overlaysThis explains securing archwires and checking fit. Includes torque checks, trimming ends, cutters, overlays to stop rubbing or slipping.
Check full bracket engagementAssess torque and rotational controlTrim distal ends safelyUse distal end cutters correctlyAdd overlays or stops if neededLesson 9Removing archwires safely: steps for upper and lower wire removal, stabilizing brackets, controlling spring-back, minimizing patient discomfortThis explains step-by-step upper lower archwire removal, cutting, steady brackets, control bounce. Stresses less discomfort, no tissue cut or wire swallow.
Check wire type and attachmentsCut wire in safe strategic segmentsControl spring-back with cotton rollsStabilize brackets and tubesRetrieve and secure removed wireLesson 10Handling unexpected resistance or tissue entrapment during wire removal: stepwise maneuvers to release wire, instruments to use, when to call orthodontistThis guides handling stuck wire or tissue catch. Covers step moves, tool picks, tissue guard, when to stop and call orthodontist.
Identify source of resistanceUse mirror and retraction for viewGentle back-and-forth wire mobilizationUse hemostats or Weingart pliersIndications to stop and call orthodontistLesson 11Removing elastic ligatures: instrument selection, technique for safe removal, handling and disposal of used elasticsThis details tool pick and safe way to remove elastic ligatures. Includes steady sequence, no bracket harm, no tissue hurt, proper germy elastic handling and binning.
Select appropriate ligature removerSequence for quadrant by quadrant removalStabilize brackets during removalAvoid snapping toward soft tissuesDispose of used elastics as biohazardLesson 12Sequence overview and roles: clear division of tasks between assistant and orthodontist for each stageThis gives full sequence overview and task split between helper, hygienist, orthodontist. Highlights talk, timing, safety checks each step.
Outline full archwire change workflowDefine hygienist and assistant dutiesIdentify orthodontist-only proceduresHandoff communication checkpointsTime management and chairside flow
