Orthodontic Assistant Practice Exam

When placing an archwire, what is the first step?

1. Guide it into the brackets

2. Insert the wire into one side of the buccal tubes

3. Secure it with ligature wire

4. Check for proper alignment

The correct answer is: Insert the wire into one side of the buccal tubes

When placing an archwire, the first step involves inserting the wire into one side of the buccal tubes. This is crucial because the buccal tubes serve as attachment points for the archwire, which needs to be anchored correctly to function effectively in aligning the teeth. By starting at the buccal tubes, the orthodontic assistant ensures that the wire is positioned accurately, preventing potential kinks or misalignments that could occur if it were first guided into the brackets. Once the wire is secured at the buccal tubes, it can then be moved into the brackets in a controlled manner, allowing for a smoother installation process. Following this, securing the wire with ligature wire and checking for proper alignment are subsequent steps that help ensure optimal mechanics in the treatment plan.