The instruments used in orthodontic procedures are mainly exclusive to the discipline. That’s why dental students need to study and memorize the names of various orthodontic tools and their uses before beginning clinical treatments on real patients. A refresher is also helpful when ordering instruments for a new orthodontic practice. Keep reading for inside knowledge on commonly used orthodontic tools.
What Is Basic Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. It involves diagnosing, preventing and treating malocclusion to improve oral function and appearance. Treatments include braces, clear aligners, retainers and appliances designed to correct bite issues such as overbites, underbites, crowding and spacing.
Orthodontic care enhances oral health by making teeth easier to clean, reducing wear and preventing jaw problems. For dental students and early-career professionals, understanding the fundamentals of tooth movement, anchorage systems and appliance design is essential. From traditional braces to modern aligner systems, all orthodontic treatments start with precise planning and reliable clinical tools.
17 Essential Tools for Orthodontists
If you’re curious about orthodontic instrument kits, you probably want to knowwhich tools should be included. Many of these supplies come in sets, but to have the variety of tools required to carry out your services, ensure you get all the essentials. Below are 17 of the most frequently used tools in orthodontic procedures:
Adhesive–removing pliers: This set of pliers helps remove adhesive traces after a completed orthodontic treatment.
Band burnisher: Similar to a band pusher, it is flatter and can contour an orthodontic band to fit the tooth.
Band pusher: This instrument has a long handle and a rectangular, serrated tip set at an angle. It is used to fit orthodontic bands in the patient’s mouth.
Bite stick: This silicone instrument has a small handle and a serrated, triangular tip. It helps place orthodontic bands with the help of the patient’s bite.
Bracket tweezer: Also called a bracket holder, this tweezer works in reverse action with angled tips and is used for placing, holding and maneuvering orthodontic brackets.
Cheek retractor: This handheld instrument is used to pull back the lips and cheeks while taking photographs of the mouth or during an orthodontic procedure.
Cotton pliers: This set of pliers is explicitly designed to hold cotton rolls in place. It might also be used to retrieve small objects intra-orally.
Dental mirrors: These are used to see around and behind teeth during exams or procedures. All practices that provide dental services require their use.
Distal end cutters: These cutters work at right angles to the device’s axis and are used for intra-oral cuts of ligated archwires. Distal end cutters can also hold the cut piece of the archwire after it is cut.
How utility pliers: With a round, serrated beak, these pliers are for holding archwires while planting or removing them.
Mathieu pliers: With a quick-release locking mechanism for safety, a set of Mathieu pliers works with elastomeric ligatures.
Pin and ligature cutter: Also called a wire cutter, a set of pin and ligature cutters is used to easily slice through wires less than 0.016 of an inch in diameter. It is ideal for use with stainless steel ligatures.
Plastic file: This tool is used to place composite onto an orthodontic bracket before bonding to a tooth.
Posterior band remover: This nylon-tipped instrument has a flat, slightly tapered head and is used to remove orthodontic bands on the posterior teeth.
Separating pliers: These work in reverse action to place elastics, which they can hold on their specialized tips. Once prepared, they stretch the elastics to go on brackets already placed on patients’ teeth.
Straight probe: This type of probe assists with cleaning orthodontic brackets and removing elastomeric ligatures.
139 plier: Also called the bird beak plier, it has one pyramidal and one conical half, which combine to shape bends in various orthodontic wires.
Orthodontic Pliers: Types, Uses and Selection Tips
Orthodontic pliers are core instruments in every orthodontic tool kit. They allow practitioners to bend wires, place auxiliaries, remove bands and make precise adjustments throughout treatment. Each plier type has a specific function, and choosing the right one can significantly impact speed and accuracy during procedures.
Common types of orthodontic pliers include:
Band-removing pliers: Essential for safely removing orthodontic bands from teeth, these orthodontist tools typically feature a padded, flat tip that rests against the tooth for leverage and a blade-like beak for a secure grip. Some models are specialized for either anterior or posterior bands.
Adhesive-removing pliers: Equipped with a sharp blade and occlusal pad, these pliers scrape away residual bonding material after bracket removal. They can also de-bond ceramic or metal brackets. Some models incorporate tungsten carbide inserts for enhanced durability and grip.
Contouring pliers: These pliers, which have slotted or flat tips, are used to shape molar bands, adjust crown contours or create accentuated wire curves. They produce precise bends without scratching or damaging the wire, allowing for custom-fit adjustments. Slotted or grooved tips help secure the wire during manipulation.
Crimping pliers: These tools crimp stops, tubes or hooks onto archwires. Their thin, angled tips enable easy intra-oral access and precise pressure application without damaging the wires or attachments.
Hollow chop pliers: Hollow pliers feature concave and convex jaws for remodeling and contouring archwires, especially palatal arches. They work well with stainless steel and nickel-titanium wires up to 0.020 inches in diameter.
Loop-forming pliers: These pliers allow orthodontists to accurately create loops or bends in wires, accommodating different wire thicknesses. Some versions come with stepped beaks for consistent loop sizing, while others offer adjustable curvatures.
Pliers for elastics: These instruments help stretch and position elastomeric separators and power chains. Their conical or notched tips prevent slippage during placement.
Specialized orthodontic pliers: There are other specialized orthodontic pliers designed for complex or technique-sensitive procedures often encountered in advanced orthodontics, such as precision loop forming, retainer fabrication, facial arch adjustments and removal of lingual brackets. They include tweed loop, arrow, Adams, Young and Kurz pliers.
What Are the Key Considerations When Selecting Orthodontic Pliers?
Having a comprehensive set of high-performance orthodontic pliers improves clinical efficiency, shortens chair time and enhances patient comfort. Whether you are outfitting your first orthodontic set or refining an existing one, investing in the right pliers is foundational to delivering quality care. Here is what to consider:
Material quality: Opt for high-grade stainless steel pliers to ensure corrosion resistance, durability and compliance with sterilization protocols. Some premium pliers also feature tungsten or titanium components for added strength and longevity.
Ergonomics: Choose pliers with comfortable handles and balanced weight to reduce hand fatigue, especially during lengthy procedures. Nonslip grips and spring mechanisms may also enhance ease of use.
Precision and function: Prioritize fine tips and sharp blades that allow for exact wire adjustments and clean cuts without deforming or damaging materials.
Bracket Placement Instruments: Essential Tools and Techniques
Accurate bracket placement is critical for effective orthodontic treatment. Even minor deviations in bracket positioning can impact tooth movement, bite alignment and therapy’s overall success. For this reason, orthodontists rely on specialized tools that support the exact placement and bonding of brackets on each tooth, including:
Bracket height gauges: These help determine the ideal vertical position of each bracket, ensuring consistent height along the dental arch for symmetrical results.
Positioning gauges: These devices assist in aligning brackets mesiodistally (side to side) and buccolingually (front to back) on the tooth. They allow for fine-tuned adjustments based on the tooth’s shape and alignment. Proper orientation ensures the archwire applies the correct force vectors for effective treatment.
Bracket tweezers: Also known as bracket placement tweezers, these reverse-action instruments with angled tips securely grip and position the bracket during bonding. Their slim profile makes them ideal for accessing tight anterior and posterior spaces.
Band pushers and burnishers: These instruments assist in seating and contouring orthodontic bands and brackets. They help ensure intimate contact with the tooth surface, improving bonding strength and patient comfort.
Dental probes and explorers: These orthodontic appliances are useful for checking bracket placement before curing and removing ligatures or adjusting small details during bonding.
Adhesive removing pliers: Any excess adhesive around the bracket base can interfere with hygiene or wire seating after bonding. These pliers help with cleanup without dislodging the bracket.
Techniques for Accurate Bracket Placement
Proper techniques improve treatment efficiency and lead to better aesthetic and functional results. Some key methods include:
Direct bonding: Direct bonding is the most common bracket placement method. In this procedure, orthodontists use etching and adhesive agents to bond the brackets directly onto prepared tooth surfaces. It allows for real-time adjustments but requires substantial visual and manual precision. Proper enamel preparation and isolation are crucial for bond strength.
Indirect bonding: This technique involves positioning brackets onto a custom tray using a model or digital scan. The entire tray with brackets is then transferred to the patient’s mouth, allowing for the simultaneous placement of multiple brackets. Indirect bonding increases efficiency and accuracy, especially in complex cases.
Use of digital tools: With advances in orthodontics, digital bracket positioning using 3D scans and printing technology enhances precision, allowing clinicians to plan ideal bracket placement virtually before physical application.
Precision and experience: Successful bracket placement requires technical skill and clinical experience. Orthodontists must consider facial axis points, tooth anatomy and treatment objectives for each case.
Essential Equipment for an Orthodontic Practice
Other necessary equipment for an orthodontic practice includes:
Orthodontic boley gauge: This is a measuring device with narrow tips designed for precise orthodontic work.
Autoclave: This sanitation machine sterilizes your equipment with pressurized steam or dry heat.
Chairs and chair covers: Comfortable chairs with thin backrests and replaceable upholstery are ideal. Using chair covers helps chairs last longer and makes them less susceptible to wear.
Computers and software: The appropriate technology includes a patient portal system. Even orthodontic offices that still use filing cabinets rely on health care software to stay organized.
Handpieces: These mechanical tools offer customizable functions, with various models operating at different speeds.
Cameras: The ideal cameras for diagnosing patients’ smiles have a professional 60-millimeter macro lens and can obtain images of the entire mouth.
Utility Equipment
Most equipment that runs on utilities in orthodontic facilities is used to stabilize air pressure or sterilize the steam used to clean tools, including:
Air compressors: These machines lower the dew point of the air they compress, which helps filter the air and remove moisture to protect your equipment. They can be lubricated or oil-free.
Amalgam separators: These devices rid your wastewater of amalgam particles through a process that may involve filtration, sedimentation or even centrifugation, depending on the model.
Separation tanks: These tanks collect materials contaminating the operatories and use a vacuum system to clear out debris.
Vacuums: Needed while the staff work in a patient’s oral cavity, a dental vacuum clears saliva and is usually plugged into an outlet.
Utility control centers: If your office ever experiences electrical problems, a control center prevents damage to your expensive equipment, serving as a form of insurance for your technology.
X-Ray Technology
Every orthodontic office needs an X-ray system to examine patients’ teeth thoroughly. An X-ray is an essential instrument for orthodontists that will last for years in a practice. Your options for an X-ray system include:
Intra–oral X-ray sensors: This type of X-ray is a modern replacement for the older film version.
Digital panoramic X-rays: This is a 2D X-ray system that captures a revolving image of the entire mouth using a small dose of ionizing radiation.
Phosphor plate X-rays: This technology relies on phosphor storage plates rather than traditional film and stores the images in a digital format.
Digital imaging software: The management software for your X-ray technology can keep patient files organized and easy to find.
Essential Miscellaneous Items to Stock in Your Orthodontic Practice
Besides the tools needed to diagnose and treat misaligned teeth, an orthodontic office must also stock disposable supplies for surgical extraction of extra teeth and keep important sanitation equipment updated. Orthodontic instrument suppliers that carry tools often provide these items. Some general supplies that orthodontic practices require include:
Disinfectants: Hand sanitizer and cleaning products for tabletops and surfaces are essential in patient areas and office spaces.
Gauze: As a necessity for many orthodontic procedures, you can always have more gauze packages.
Gloves: As a must for any dental office, it’s best to stock up on non-latex gloves in case a patient has an allergy.
Patient bibs: Disposable bibs are useful for many procedures where fluids could drip down on a patient’s clothes.
Protective eye shields: For the best surgical practices, eye shields protect the orthodontist and other employees from splatter.
Surgical masks: Masks keep cross contamination to a minimum and prevent the spread of disease.
Surgical scrubs: Although the staff can buy their scrubs, ordering uniforms for your team helps everyone feel included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Tools and Treatments
We’ve answered some common questions dentists have about essential orthodontic supplies for their practices:
What orthodontic tools do students need? Orthodontic students need a reliable set of basic instruments to develop essential skills, including a pliers set, cheek retractors, crown removers, dental mirrors, probes and explorers, bite sticks and bracket placement instruments. Starting with high-quality, durable tools ensures precise practice and builds confidence for clinical use.
Can I purchase individual instruments or only complete sets? You can buy individual orthodontic instruments or complete sets depending on your needs. Individual tools allow you to build your tool kit gradually or upgrade specific instruments, while complete kits are ideal for new practices or students.
Are there eco-friendly or sustainable options for orthodontic tools? When it comes to making orthodontic appliances, manufacturers such as ProDentUSA offer instruments made from high-grade stainless steel, which is one of the most sustainable materials on the planet. Reusable tools also help reduce single-use waste. Choosing high-quality, durable instruments further supports sustainability by minimizing replacements.
How often should orthodontic tools be replaced or inspected for wear? You should check orthodontic tools regularly — ideally before and after each use — for signs of wear, corrosion or damage. Cutting and bending instruments lose precision with repeated use and should be maintained and replaced as needed to maintain effectiveness and patient safety. Following manufacturer guidelines and maintaining proper sterilization prolongs instrument lifespan and ensures consistent performance.
What should I consider when choosing between different brands of orthodontic instruments? When selecting brands, consider instrument quality, material grade — preferably high-grade stainless steel — durability, ergonomic design, sterilization compatibility and warranty or replacement policies. Sourcing from manufacturers who sell directly to practices also reduces costs and increases transparency.
Order Quality Orthodontic Supplies From ProDentUSA
Do you need to stock orthodontic instrument kits and other supplies for your practice? Our products are backed by the ProDent Promise — designed to last and guaranteed to satisfy — and we’re committed to spreading smiles, one instrument at a time. Contact us to learn more about the orthodontic products you will need for your business, or browse our selection of orthodontic instruments.
