Which instrument is used to help seat a molar band for a fixed appliance?

• A. Bird-Beak pliers
• B. Band plugger
• C. Band seater
• D. Orthodontic Scaler

Answer: (B)

Seating a molar band correctly requires an instrument that can apply precise, localized pressure to press the band onto the tooth as the cement sets. The band plugger is designed for this task: its slim, blunt tip can be placed inside the band to push it firmly against the tooth, helping to seat the band fully and compress the cement so the interior fits snugly. This targeted action ensures the band margins align properly around a molar and stay in place during and after cementation. Other tools aren’t as well suited for this specific step: a Bird-Beak plier is mainly for bending wires, an orthodontic scaler is for cleaning around the band, and a band seater, while useful for seating generally, doesn’t provide the same inside-the-band pressure that a plugger offers.