Question

Wire ligatures should be twisted and cut, leaving a _____-mm pigtail.

1) 1- to 2
2) 2- to 3
3) 3- to 4
4) 4- to 5

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 2) 2- to 3-mm pigtail. The correct length for a wire ligature's pigtail, according to orthodontic protocol, is 2 to 3 millimeters. This length optimizes for both security of the wire and patient comfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

When using wire ligatures in orthodontic treatment, the ends of the wire are twisted together to secure the wire to the brackets on the teeth. It's important to cut the twisted end or 'pigtail' to the correct length so as not to irritate the inside of the patient's mouth but still ensure that the ligature is secure.

Leaving a pigtail that is too long can poke and irritate the soft tissue in the mouth, while cutting it too short may not secure the wire adequately. Therefore, typically, orthodontic protocol specifies that the twisted ends should be cut to leave a small 'pigtail' that is long enough to be secure but short enough not to cause discomfort or injury to the inside of the patient's mouth. The industry standard, as represented in this question, is to cut the wire leaving a pigtail of 2 to 3 millimeters, which generally provides a good balance between security and comfort.