Lesson 1Final mouth checks and bite test: making sure no sharp edges, check patient bite, use bite paper if neededFocuses on last mouth check after tying ligatures. Includes looking for sharp edges, checking archwire fit, testing bite, and using bite 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 2Handling loose brackets found during steps: isolate area, put bracket on gauze, protect soft tissues and decide if to delay bondingTells how to manage loose brackets found during steps. Includes isolating, safe keeping, protecting soft tissues, noting down, and when 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 3Putting new elastic ligatures: pick size and colour, single vs figure-8 method, fitting to avoid rubbing tissuesCovers picking and placing elastic ligatures, sizes and colours. Compares single vs figure-8 ways and stresses avoiding tissue rub and 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 4Starting talk with patient and checks: confirm who they are, update health history, explain steps in simple wordsCovers checking patient identity, reviewing health and dental history, and explaining archwire and ligature change in clear, calming words for safety, agreement, and patient help.
Confirm identity with two identifiersReview medical alerts and medicationsUpdate dental and orthodontic historyExplain procedure in simple languageObtain and document informed consentLesson 5Placing steel ligatures: twisting method, right tightness, protect gums and avoid too tightDetails placing steel ligatures, threading, twisting, tucking. Stresses right tightness, no over-tightening, protecting 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 6Finding and clearing food bits and plaque before wire removal: clear plaque, use gauze, pull back for clear viewFocuses on spotting plaque, food bits, tartar before wire removal. Stresses pulling back, suction, gauze for better view, less dirt, ready teeth for good archwire fit.
Visual inspection for plaque and debrisUse of air, water, and suctionGauze use for wiping and isolationRetraction for visibility and accessPatient education on oral hygieneLesson 7Fitting new archwires: pick right wire, pre-bend and test fit, insertion order for upper and lowerOutlines picking, pre-bending, test fitting new archwires. Details order for upper and lower, handling crowding, smooth fit without too much force 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 checking fit: torque checks, trim ends, use end cutters and coversExplains securing archwires and checking fit. Includes torque checks, trimming ends, end cutters, adding covers to stop irritation or slip.
Check full bracket engagementAssess torque and rotational controlTrim distal ends safelyUse distal end cutters correctlyAdd overlays or stops if neededLesson 9Safe archwire removal: steps for upper and lower, hold brackets steady, control snap-back, less discomfortExplains step-by-step removal of upper and lower archwires, cutting, holding brackets, controlling snap-back. Stresses less discomfort, no soft tissue hurt 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 stuck wire or tissue catch during removal: step-by-step release, tools to use, when to call orthodontistGuides handling stuck wire or tissue catch during removal. Covers steps, tool picks, tissue protection, 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: pick tools, safe removal method, handle and bin used onesDetails tool pick and safe way to remove elastic ligatures. Includes controlled steps, no bracket damage, no tissue hurt, proper handle and bin dirty elastics.
Select appropriate ligature removerSequence for quadrant by quadrant removalStabilize brackets during removalAvoid snapping toward soft tissuesDispose of used elastics as biohazardLesson 12Full sequence overview and roles: clear task split between helper and orthodontist for each partGives structured overview of whole sequence and task split between hygienist, helper, 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
