An Inexpensive Microetcher Hood

When a Microetcher^* is used to prepare the bonding pad of a debonded bracket prior to its replacement in the mouth, the aluminum oxide powder is mes­sy and difficult to control. Sever­al vacuum chambers are com­mercially available, but I have been disappointed with their bulk and cost, and they make infection control a challenge.

Instead, I use a clear, dis­posable 7oz plastic cup as a hood and a household sponge as a filter (Fig. 1). A hole just large enough for the Microetcher nozzle is drilled into the side of the cup, about an inch from the rim. The cup is turned upside down on a damp sponge for microetching.

This method works best if the bracket is microetched while still attached to the archwire, eliminating the need for a plier and minimizing powder escape. It also works, however, if the bracket is held with a college plier.

The Microetcher nozzle is inserted through the hole in the upside down cup, and the brack­et is held close to the nozzle. A little pressure should be applied to the cup while microetching to compress it into the sponge. The cup and sponge can be disinfect­ed after each use or simply dis­carded.