Reference Guide for

An assistant who can make archwire bends and adjust appli-

ances is truly valuable to their doctor. Even if assistants are
not the ones making bends, it is important for them to under-
stand the concepts in order to provide excellent treatment.
First Order - bends that are in the Third Order - bends that are in the
occlusal plane. occlusal plane.
• Step in, step out, rotation bends • torquing bends
• Hold the pliers perpendicular to the
occlusal plane Other Types of First Order Bends
• Bayonet bends
• Toe in bends
Other Types of Second Order Bends
• Tie-back bends
• Reverse curves
• Closing loops
• Headgear adjustment loops
• Retainer adjustment loops

Second Order - bends that are in the

vertical dimension.
• Step up, step down, tip bends
• Hold the pliers level with to the
occlusal plane

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 Reference Guide for

An assistant who can adjust retainers will be an asset by saving the

doctor valuable time. Be sure the doctor checks your work.
Adjustment Loops
The adjustment loop is the primary means to loosen or tighten wire retainers. After
making this adjustment, the anterior bow often needs to be adjusted to fit at or
slightly incisal to the midpoint of the tooth height.
Opening loops to loosen the labial bow Close loops to tighten the labial bow
• Squeeze with the square beak of bird • Squeeze with the single beak of the
beak inside the apex of the loop and three-prong plier inside the apex of
the round be outside the apex the loop
• Re-level by squeezing the square • Re-level by squeezing with the single
beak in the angle at the distal to the beak on the inside of the angle at the
loop distal of the loop
• Moves the bow away from the incisors • Brings the bow closer to the incisors

Adjust Clasps First Order Bends

Tighten clasps for increased retention. Make fine steps in and out with the tip of
Ball clasps — grasp beside the ball and the bird beak or similar plier.
bend around round beak of bird beak The anterior bow should touch evenly on
C-clasps — squeeze with three-prong all teeth — especially the incisors.
somewhere between midpoint and end
Adam’s clasps—grasp the mesial and dis-
tal toes of the clasp with bird beak and
bend inwards or squeeze between toes
with three-prong
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