Which instrument is used to cut the ends of wires in orthodontic procedures?

• A. Millers forceps
• B. Beebee crown shears
• C. End cutters
• D. Wax knife

Answer: (C)

End cutters are the tool of choice for trimming wire ends in orthodontics because they provide a sharp, flush cut that severs the wire cleanly without distorting it or creating burrs. This clean finish is essential to prevent wires from poking the cheek or tongue and to make sure the archwire ends sit neatly near the bracket. Other tools listed have different jobs—forceps are for tooth extraction, crown shears for cutting crown-related materials, and a wax knife is used for shaping or applying wax—so they aren’t suited to cutting and finishing wire ends.