July, 2010
Safety Pin – Chain Assembly to Secure a Molar Band During Placement
Dr. Nitin Gulve, MDS and Dr. Meenal Gulve, MDS
Orthodontic appliances or part of them can compromise the airway and gastrointestinal tract due to the close proximity of these appliances to the oropharynx. [1] Bonded attachments are used routinely as part of fixed appliance therapy; however, bands rather than bonded tubes remain popular for molars. [2] A stainless steel chain attached at the helical portion of a small safety pin can be useful to secure a molar band during placement (Fig 1). The needle portion of the safely pin is passed through the tube and then tucked into the cap of the safety pin, with the chain portion extending outside the mouth (Fig 2). Once the band is cemented on the tooth, the safety pin – chain assembly can be removed. This will aid quick retrieval of the band, in case inhaled or swallowed. Also the safety pin will prevent the cement from entering and blocking the lumen of the tube. The same assembly can be used when fitting or removing a transpalatal arch, quad-helix, rubber dam clamp to avoid its inhalation or swallowing should it be dropped.
Figure 1. Safety pin – chain assembly.
Figure 2. Securing a molar band with the assembly.
References
1. Dibiase AT, Samuels RHA, Ozdiler E, Akcam MO, Turkkahraman H. Hazards of orthodontic appliances and the oropharynx, J. Orthod. 2000;27:295-302.
2. Millett D, Mandall N, Hickman J, Mattick R, Glenny A. Adhesives for fixed orthodontic bands. Angle Orthod. 2009;79:193-199.
Contributed by:
Dr. Nitin Gulve, MDS
Professor, Dept. of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, M.G.V.’s K.B.H. Dental College and Hospital, Panchwati, Nashik, Maharashtra, India – 422002.
Dr. Meenal Gulve, MDS
Professor and Head, Dept. of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, M.G.V.’s K.B.H. Dental College and Hospital, Panchwati, Nashik, Maharashtra, India – 422002.
