TECHNIQUE CLINIC

STEP 1. Fit new lower cuspid bands or you can reuse the old ones. Be sure that old bands are clean so that they can be soldered. The fit of the bands should be very good since the bands may have to remain in place for a long period of time.

STEP 2. Bend an .036 wire to fit the lingual arch form from cuspid to cuspid. Bend it with an offset at the cuspids so that the incisal part of the wire lies only a few millimeters from the incisal edges. The wire could be extended to touch the first bicuspids if they are to be retained too. After the wire is bent, tack-weld it to one cuspid band and check the fit in the mouth. If it doesn't fit, break the weld and reweld the wire.

STEP 3. After the wire has been welded to one cuspid band so that it fits passively where you want it, carefully remove it from the teeth. Solder the welded joint. To avoid oxidizing the band surface and giving it a burned look, cover the entire band with a slurry of flux. The soldered pieces are then placed in the mouth. Check the fit to see that the wire position has remained passive. Note where the wire crosses the unwelded band. Remove the appliances and tack-weld the wire to the second cuspid band. Recheck the fit in the mouth. If it doesn't fit, break the weld and reweld the wire.

STEP 4. When the wire has been tack-welded to the second band so that it fits perfectly, carefully remove the whole appliance from the teeth. Flux the whole welded cuspid band and solder the joint. Polish the appliance and check the fit in the mouth. If it is alright. the 3-3 retainer can be cemented.