Description
Fabricate, customize, and repair orthodontic appliances—such as retainers, aligners, expanders, and space maintainers—per orthodontist prescriptions using digital and bench techniques.
- • Interpret orthodontist prescriptions, models, and digital scans to determine appliance design and specifications.
- • Pour and trim stone models or 3D print models from intraoral scans and bite registrations.
- • Mount models or use occlusal indices to evaluate occlusion and appliance clearance.
- • Design appliances in CAD for clear aligners, retainers, splints, and occlusal guards as prescribed.
- • Thermoform and trim clear retainers or aligners; smooth and polish edges for patient comfort.
- • Bend and shape orthodontic wires for clasps, labial bows, springs, lingual arches, and fixed retainers.
- • Fit and assemble expansion screws, rests, and attachments; verify direction, travel, and activation limits.
- • Solder or spot-weld wire assemblies to bands or frameworks; perform laser welding when required.
- • Apply block-out, relief, and separators to models before forming or acrylic processing.
- • Mix, pack, and cure orthodontic acrylics; contour, finish, and high-polish appliances.
- • Check appliance fit, retention, and function on models; confirm occlusal clearance and durability.
- • Prepare and size bands and attachments; sandblast or prepare surfaces for bonding pads or fixtures.
- • Fabricate specialty devices such as bite plates, space maintainers, habit appliances, and splints.
- • Repair and adjust appliances by replacing broken wires, acrylic components, bands, or screws.
- • Label appliances and models; document case details, materials, and lot numbers for traceability.
- • Maintain and calibrate vacuum/pressure formers, curing units, welders, CAD/CAM systems, and 3D printers.
- • Train or supervise orthodontic laboratory assistants or bench technicians.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
