Elastomeric auxiliaries are often difficult to attach to impacted cuspids that are being moved into the arch. After surgery, a wire ligature or multiple eyelet chain*1 extending from a bonded button or eyelet may be all that is visible amid the swollen, edematous gingival tissue.
A floss threader** can be used to pass an elastic thread through chain auxiliaries, providing more flexibility than a dental explorer. The technique is as follows:
1. Using a forefinger and thumb, sweep a slight curve into the floss threader.
2. Gently guide the floss threader through the eyelet bonded to the impacted tooth, displacing soft tissue as necessary (A).
3. Pass the elastomeric ligature through the posterior end of the threader. Slowly slide both through the bonded eyelet (B).
4. Secure the thread in the desired location (C).
Similar articles from the archive:
FOOTNOTES
- *No. 224-012 traction hook with chain, TP Orthodontics, Inc., 100 Center Plaza, LaPorte, IN 46350.
- **EEZ-Thru Floss Threader, John 0. Butler Co., 4635 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL 60630.
REFERENCES
- 1. Doleac, P.C. and Manga, R.K.: Technique Clinic: Multiple eyelet chain for impacted teeth, J. Clin. Orthod. 25:322, 1991.
-
DR. SHACKLETON
Dr. Shackleton is Senior Resident, Department of Orthodontics, Pediatrics and Geriatric Dentistry, University of Louisville, School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY 40292.