When I started my orthodontic residency at St.Louis University, I received a list of pliers that I need to bring before the program starts. I still use many of them but I never used a few of them after finishing my orthodontic training. Here, I’m going to show you what pliers are really needed and what may be waste of money.
Orthodontic plier brands
I personally like pliers by TASK. I used Ortho-pli at orthodontic residency and it is decent products with reasonable price. I still use most of them.
I tried other brands at my private practice. Dentaurum plier handle was long for me and my staffs. I felt less control than smaller pliers.
My pick: TASK is my favorite orthodontic plier brands. Its compact size make it
Task is a Japanese company which specializes in orthodontic, surgical, and labaratory pliers. My staffs also likes Task pliers the best.
Basic set-up
Wire-related
Weingart plier
Distal end cutter
NiTi cinch back plier
Pin cutter
Bird beak plier
Three-prong plier
Optical plier
Step-bend plier
Hollow chop plier
Bracket and tube-related
Bracket holder- anteriors
Bracket holder- posteriors
Tube holder
Bracket remover- metal
Ortho-pli #098-A – Bracket Removing Plier (Angulated)
I use this plier to remove metal brackets and tube on any tooth- anterior or posterior. This is a universal appliances.
Bracket remover- ceramic
How to remove ceramic brackets (video)
Convertible cap removing plier(video)
Band-related
Separating plier
Band pusher/ scaler
Band remover
Band cement remover
I found band remover on the right works better with most cases. Band remover on the left picture did not work in many teeth.
Clear aligner ore clear retainer-related
Dimple forming plier
Dimple forming plier may be the only plier that you can use to improve retention of the clear aligner if it is too loose.
Dr.Kim’s pick
Pliers and instrument I don’t recommend
Bite sticks
I found it unreliable to fit bands with a bite stick because bite stick depends on patient’s biting force. I can control way better with band-pusher/ scaler paired instrument.
Band pusher with big handle/
I found that I tend to put more force than it supposed to with this type of band pusher. I prefer small currete type band pusher.
Matheu plier
For task catalogue, click here. (I’m not affiliated)