Which item is a spring used to apply orthodontic force across teeth?

Which item is a spring used to apply orthodontic force across teeth?

• A. Palatal finger spring
• B. Z spring
• C. Bracket removers
• D. Band removers

Answer: (B)

In orthodontic mechanics, a spring used to apply force between two teeth is designed to transfer a controlled, reciprocal load across that tooth pair. The Z spring is a zig-zag shaped wire element that spans between brackets on adjacent teeth; when activated, it pushes on one tooth while pulling on the other, producing a steady intertooth force that helps move teeth closer together or adjust their alignment. That intertooth cross-arch action is what makes it the tool of choice for applying orthodontic force across teeth. The other options aren’t used this way: bracket removers and band removers are instruments for removing components, not delivering movement forces; a palatal finger spring is another type of spring but it’s typically used for localized movement within the palate rather than across two teeth.

In orthodontic mechanics, a spring used to apply force between two teeth is designed to transfer a controlled, reciprocal load across that tooth pair. The Z spring is a zig-zag shaped wire element that spans between brackets on adjacent teeth; when activated, it pushes on one tooth while pulling on the other, producing a steady intertooth force that helps move teeth closer together or adjust their alignment. That intertooth cross-arch action is what makes it the tool of choice for applying orthodontic force across teeth. The other options aren’t used this way: bracket removers and band removers are instruments for removing components, not delivering movement forces; a palatal finger spring is another type of spring but it’s typically used for localized movement within the palate rather than across two teeth.