YOU'VE GOT QUESTIONS, WE’VE GOT ANSWERS.

The following is a list of common questions we receive regarding orthodontic plier repair, sharpening and retipping. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Give us a call or shoot us an email! We’d be happy to answer all of your questions.

How long will it take to retip, sharpen and/or recondition my orthodontic pliers?

Generally our lead time to repair any orthodontic instrument, whether we’re sharpening, retipping or reconditioning the orthodontic pliers is five days or less.

However, because we perform all orthodontic instrument repair services in-house we’re able to turn repair orders around in as little as one day.

How often should I sharpen, retip or recondition my orthodontic instruments?

Most orthodontic instrument manufacturers recommend that you sharpen or recondition your orthodontic pliers and instruments every 6-9 months. This will ensure that your instruments remain in tip-top shape and perform the way they are intended to.

That said, if your orthodontic cutters and instruments are performing well go ahead and continue to use them. If you notice that your distal end cutters are no longer holding wire securely in place after cutting then it’s time to service your orthodontic instruments. If your pin & ligature cutters are no longer cutting precisely at the tip, crimping the wire, or you experience play or a wobble in the hinge then it’s time to service your orthodontic pliers.

What orthodontic instrument brands do you sharpen, retip and recondition?

The short answer is all of them. We work closely with most of the world’s top orthodontic instrument manufacturers. We’re very familiar with all orthodontic instrument manufacturers and their entire line including how they should look, feel and perform. We take great care to provide our customers with an orthodontic instrument service that delivers like new results that won’t compromise the integrity of your orthodontic instruments.

Do you accept international orthodontic plier repair orders?

Absolutely! We ship and receive multiple international orthodontic instrument repair orders each day. Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America – the process is simple, safe and fast. Contact us for detailed mailing instructions.

What payment options do you accept?

We accept most major credit cards including Visa, Master Card and American Express. We also accept EFT and COD (fees may apply). Credit terms are considered for Dental Groups, Dental Support Organizations, and Government accounts only.

How do I send my orthodontic instruments and pliers in for repair?

Request your free mailing kit. The mailing kit includes a free postage paid mailing label, repair work order and corrugated mailing box. Simply load up the box with any orthodontic instruments you feel may need retipping, sharpening, or service. Include a completed copy of the orthodontic plier repair work order and hand the box to your USPS representative or simply drop it in the mailbox. Before you know it your orthodontic pliers will be repaired and returned to you performing like new.

My orthodontic pliers are stained and discolored, can this be fixed?

Yes. We will hand buff and polish your orthodontic pliers to a bright, lustrous finish or if you prefer we can give your orthodontic instruments a matte finish – the choice is yours.

Do you offer discounts on orthodontic plier sharpening, retipping and repair?

Yes. We offer volume discounts on orthodontic plier repairs. Please contact us to learn more.

The hinge of my orthodontic plier/ instrument is tight, what can be done?

You can start by trying to loosen the hinge with oil. Apply the oil in and around the hinge, carefully work the orthodontic plier / instrument open and closed while applying opposing pressure. This friction should loosen the hinge. Be careful to loosen the hinge too much as this will lead to poor tip alignment.

If you’re not comfortable loosing the hinge on your own you can simply send your orthodontic instrument in and we will gladly perform this task for you.

My orthodontic plier is in pieces; can this be fixed or repaired?

The answer to this question isn’t so simple. If your orthodontic plier has come apart at the hinge or the insert has come loose the answer is yes. We can re-assemble the hinge and we can re-insert the orthodontic plier to ensure precise joint function and tip alignment.

On the other hand, if a handle leg or jaw has broken in to two pieces then no – this cannot be safely repaired.

We suggest that you send any orthodontic instruments in for a free, no obligation assessment. If your orthodontic instrument can’t be sharpened, re-tipped or reconditioned the item will be tagged and returned to you at no charge.

What is orthodontic instrument sharpening?

Orthodontic plier sharpening is the process in which an experienced craftsman skillfully sharpens a very specific part of the orthodontic instrument tips. We utilize specialized equipment that enables us deliver a precise edge with perfect geometry that delivers unmatched performance and durability.

Precision Plier Service specializes in orthodontic plier sharpening.

What is orthodontic instrument retipping?

Orthodontic instrument retipping is the process in which an experienced craftsman skillfully and carefully removes the old worn-out cutting tips from the orthodontic instrument forging and replaces them with new cutting tips. These new cutting tips are inserted and finished by hand. We will follow the orthodontic plier retipping process with a comprehensive orthodontic instrument service which includes replacement of any nuts’ screws and shims, alignment of the joint and tips, sharpening of the cutting edges, buffing and polishing and testing with manufacturer suggested wire size.

Precision Plier Service specializes in orthodontic plier retipping.

What is orthodontic instrument reconditioning?

Orthodontic plier reconditioning is the process in which the orthodontic plier is essentially re-assembled and re-finished. We replace the screws, nuts and shims, adjust the joint and align the tips, we then finish the orthodontic instrument reconditioning process by hand polishing and testing with manufacturer suggested wire size.

Precision Plier Service specializes in orthodontic plier reconditioning.