What instrument is used to help place and remove the arch wire?

Howe pliers are specifically designed to help dental professionals manipulate orthodontic wires, making them an essential instrument for placing and removing arch wires. Their unique design, with angled jaws and a gripping surface, allows for the easy handling of the arch wires during the adjustment process in orthodontic treatments. This facilitates accurate placement and removal without damaging the wire or the brackets attached to the teeth.

In contrast, the other instruments listed serve different purposes. For instance, an explorer is used for examining teeth for decay and detecting calculus through tactile sensation, while a distal end cutter is primarily employed to cut excess wire at the posterior teeth. A sickle scaler is used for removing calculus and plaque from the surfaces of teeth, but it is not intended for manipulating orthodontic components. Therefore, Howe pliers' functionality aligns perfectly with the task of working with arch wires, making them the ideal choice in this context.