Orthodontic Assistant Practice Exam

What effect does placing a wire upside down on tooth #8 have?

1. Intrude

2. Extrude

3. Rotate

4. No effect

The correct answer is: Extrude

Placing a wire upside down on tooth #8 creates a specific vector of force that influences the movement of the tooth. In this case, if the wire is oriented incorrectly, it can lead to extrusive forces on the tooth. Extrusion refers to the movement of a tooth in the occlusal direction, which tends to push the tooth further out of the socket. When orthodontic components like wires are positioned incorrectly, the intended biomechanical effect can be altered. Instead of intruding the tooth (moving it towards the alveolus), the misplacement results in a force that causes the tooth to be pushed outward or extruded. Understanding the forces applied through orthodontic appliances is crucial for successful treatment outcomes. Each tooth responds differently to various force applications, and knowing how an improperly placed wire affects tooth movement helps in managing orthodontic treatment effectively.