Abstract: The hand-held adjustment tool includes an elongated handle having an operative end in which an expander-engaging pin is pivotally or rotably mounted. In order to use the adjustment tool, the tool-receiving portion of the palatal expander mounted in the wearer's mouth is sighted, the handle is grasped by the wearer or an assistant, the straight end portion of the pin is inserted in one of the bores of the tool-receiving portion of the palatal expander, the handle is pushed in a direction which causes the pin to pivot on the handle and rotate the tool-receiving portion and associated shaft, thereby exerting a slight laterally outwardly directed force on the palatine bones of the wearer, via the various components of the palatal expander. This pressure is increased by repeating the foregoing steps under the direction of the orthodontist.

Abstract: A dentist's instrument or hand tool used to facilitate the application of an elastic arch wire-retaining band or annulus to an arch wire-supporting bracket and which features an elongated handle terminating at one end thereof in an omegoid tip portion arranged to releasably hold the elastic annulus while it is being stretched and applied to the opposite ends of the supporting bracket to retain the arch wire therein.