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When selecting orthodontic pliers for your practice, it’s important to understand that not all pliers or instruments are equivalent. They may differ greatly in terms of quality and lifespan. Even if they are intended to perform the exact same function, quality matters.
Does Price Determine Quality?
Price often correlates with higher quality. However, this is not always the case. Pay particular attention to build quality and the materials used. For example, chrome-coated instruments are often made of lower-grade steel. Therefore, they may not hold up as well in the long term. The chrome finish can become scratched. Compare this to a matte-finish instrument composed of the highest-grade stainless steel.
Lower quality instruments may also have looser joints and pivots. Eventually these will fail as force is repeatedly applied during normal use. The very same manufacturer may even produce more than one version of each instrument.
Plier Warranty
Given the need for frequent sterilization of these pliers, the warranty issue is also highly important. When reviewing warranties it is important pay particular attention to procedures covered. Cheaper pliers may have warranties that include more disclaimers about handling and use.
Make sure that the warranty language about cleaning and sterilizing procedures matches the reality of daily use. This will help ensure your pliers will last (or be replaced in the case of failure). This is especially important for pliers like Distal End Cutter or Ligature Cutters. They may be more prone to damage over time.
Appropriate Use
Choosing the right pliers for the right application is as important as the quality. A simple example would be ligature wire cutters that are rated to cut up to .016 soft wire. If used on a larger wire, there will be damage the plier.
Be sure to invest in the correct range of instruments for all your anticipated applications. Having and keeping your instruments in excellent working condition will increase in procedure efficiency. Additionally, it will avoid having to leave the chairside to get replacement pliers.
JES Orthodontics Pliers
Box Joint vs. Lap Joint:
Our pliers are manufactured from box-jointed pliers. Compared to the scissors-style lap joint, this encapsulated design offers tremendous advantages. For example, they have increased bearing surfaces and contact areas for maintaining tip alignment.
Plier Finish:
All JES Orthodontics Pliers are matte finish. Chrome finish can become scratched. As a result, the lesser quality steel can become exposed. Once exposed, this steel can rust and/or corrode during autoclave sterilization.
Warranty:
At JES Orthodontics, we offer a 5-year warranty against manufacturer defects. In addition, our Leopard Series also offer a 1-year warranty for reconditioning, sharpening and reinserting. It also includes a lifetime warranty on bond failure and corrosion.
When selecting orthodontic instruments, such as pliers, consider the long term application of the instrument. Will you have to replace them frequently? Will you need to order an abundance of pliers because they will become less effective, corroded or scratched? Choosing the correct orthodontic instruments of the highest quality with appropriate warranties is the best investment choice over the long term.
