Orthodontic solutions and the dental nurse's role

Orthodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with the correction of malaligned teeth (Figure 1) and jaws. Dental nurses employed in this field develop a great understanding of their impact when assisting during any chairside orthodontic procedure.

Figure 1.View of malaligned teeth before fixed appliances were fitted

Good preparation prior to each procedure is paramount. Ask all the questions before the appointment starts—which wires will be required, how will they be ligated, which teeth are we bonding? Always be prepared for the inevitable—broken appliances—and be mindful of how this may affect the whole appointment.

Most will be familiar with the straight-wire appliance (SWA) and appreciate that each bracket has built-in prescription for the intended tooth, reducing the need for bends in archwires. Selecting the correct bracket in sequence but not in the correct orientation is likely to produce an undesired tooth movement. This may not necessarily become apparent for one or two further appointments and will then need to be addressed resulting in some inconvenience to both patient and staff, with a possible further cost implication.