A device to facilitate the replacement of pantograph styli elastics

TIPS FROM OUR READERS A device to facilitate Linda Walter

I. Thornton, Reed

Army

D.D.S.,’

Medical

Center,

the replacement James R. Moergeli, Washington,

of pantograph lr., D.D.S., M.A.,**

styli elastics and F. Michael

When using the Denar pantograph (Denar Corp., Anaheim, Calif.), elastics need replacement if stylus action becomes sluggish or if they break during pantography. The replacement of eIastics may be facilitated by a commonly available needle threader (Corticelli, Inc., Elizabeth, N. J.). The needle threader may be purchased in sewing centers or novelty shops (Fig. 1). The threader is inexpensive, as well as easier and quicker to use than a piece of dental floss or a blunt instrument to draw the elastic through the retention eyelet. Advantages of this technique are that it can be used expediently when the pantograph is recording on the patient. If only one elastic is needed, the wire loop of the needle threader is thin

enough elastic.

to allow

THE JOURNAL

OF PROSTHETIC

threader

retention

without

disturbing

the

other

holding

elastic

loop

pulled

eyelet.

threader.

Fig. 4. Standing threader

replacement

1. Place needle threader through retention eyelet (Fig. 2). 2. Push loop end of elastic into wire loop opening of needle threader (Fig. 3). 3. Pull needle threader holding the elastic loop back through the retention eyelet. 4. Place the standing loop of the elastic through the threaded loop end to tie knot and engage the stylus hook (Fig. 4).

Fig. 3. Needle

Fig. 2. Needle

D.D.S.**+

TECHNIQUE

through

Fig. 1. Needle

Gardner,

D.C.

through DENTISTRY

retention

eyelet.

Tie

knot

and

loop of elastic through engage stylus hook.

threaded

loop.

603