Either can be used but, technically, there is a specific instrument made by the manufacturer of the braces that they want you to use to open the gate on self ligating brackets. In our clinic I usually used a ligature director to open the gates because they’re as slender as but more rigid than an explorer.

@@likeabossproductions1254 Thank you very much. Would mind telling me how it is called?

Thank you! I’m glad you found it useful! 😁👍

I’m so glad it was helpful! Feel free to share it with your classmates! Best of luck in school! 😎👍

You’re welcome! I hope you found the video useful! 😁👍

My pleasure! I hope you found the video useful! 😁👍

I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🤣

It’s LC Block Out Resin by Ultradent. There are other brands that would likely also work well but that’s what I use. 👍

@@likeabossproductions1254thanks ? Do you think i can use the gingival barrier material, the one used for whitening instead?

That would probably work just fine. I will sometimes use Play-Doh if I run out of block out resin. 😂 It takes more time to apply, but is much much cheaper than the block out resin. 🤷‍♂️

Also, blocking out the areas between the teeth can be done easiest and cheapest by trimming the impression before you pour it up in stone. I show how to do this in my video about how to pour up an impression. That way, the undercuts get blocked out by the poured up stone and you don’t have to block it out with any other material. Fast, easy, and very cheap! 😎👍

I’m glad you found it useful! 😁👍

My pleasure! I’m glad you found it useful! 👍

My pleasure! I hope you found it useful. 👍

Yes.

There are many sizes but I usually use 3/16” 4.5 oz for almost everything.

I’m not sure. There is a lot of information that has to be assessed when making treatment decisions and, unfortunately, I don’t have any of it. However, you should always feel free to ask your orthodontist why they are doing what they’re doing. If you ask politely, most orthodontists don’t mind explaining what they’re doing and why. It makes us feel smart! 😂

You’re welcome! I hope you found the video useful! 😁👍

I'm glad you found the video useful! Feel free to share the video with every parent whose child gets an expander. It should reduce the number of confused parents that have to come back into the office for another explanation/demonstration! 😁👍

Absolutely. If I ever find a confused parent like I was before watching this informational video, I’ll steer them right;). Thx.

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it useful! 😁👍

You’re welcome! I hope you found the video useful! 👍

I’m glad you found it useful! 😎👍

Then you should do it at your home 💀

Consult a different doctor ASAP then

No numbers change on the expander. The only thing that moves/changes is the little wheel that you put the key into to turn the expander. That rotates as you turn the expander. I hope that answers your question. 😊👍

Nice! I’m glad you found it useful! 😁👍

My pleasure! I hope you found the video useful! 👍

There’s a lot that of information that needs to be considered when making that decision for an individual so it’s probably best to just do what your orthodontist says to do. However, in general, it’s fine to wear heavy Class II elastics as long as your archwire is strong enough to support them. I hope that helps! 👍

Essentially the same. There are pros and cons to each but speed of treatment isn’t really one of them. 👍

I’m glad this video helped you out! 😎👍