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1. The impressions that
the orthodontist took of your teeth are made into plaster models
on which the appliance is made.
The model technician pours plaster into the moulds and
once set, the models are trimmed ready for the dental technician
to make the brace.
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2. Using the pink wax
that you bit into when having your impressions taken, the technician
can recreate the relationship between your upper and lower
jaws by articulating the models.
Here the patient's teeth have been articulated and are ready
for the appliance wires to be shaped to the various position
around the teeth
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3. The technician bends the wires
around the teeth and places wax in areas of the model to guide
the acrylic that makes up the majority of the brace.
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4. The technician uses
a combination of powders, acrylic liquids, colours and glitter
to form the body of the brace.
This is done in a fume cupboard due to the toxicity of
the chemicals used.
Gloves are worn at all times while using such chemicals
and a mask to prevent any particles being breathed in.
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5. Before the acrylic
sets firmly, it can be cut roughly to shape.
The appliance is shaped for comfort in the mouth and strength.
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6. Here you can see how
flexible the material is.
It will then be placed in cold water and heated to 40oC
under high pressure to set. This is called 'Cold-Cure'.
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7. Once cured, the appliance is further
trimmed using various burs and polishers.
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8. The appliance needs
to be pumiced to remove any imperfections and to make the surface
smooth.
This messy process involves volcanic pumice and water.
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9. It is then polished
to a very high sheen.
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10. The final stage is to varnish
the appliance using a special chemical and ultra-violet light.
This ensures a perfect finish and comfort once fitted in the
mouth.
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11. The appliance is finished
and ready to give to the patient.
All appliances are thoroughly cleaned and sterilised before
they are returned for fitting.
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