08/21/2026
Today we're putting **3 different acrylic trimming techniques to the test!**
Last week I posted a clip asking orthodontic lab technicians how they hold their handpiece when trimming acrylic. My usual method is **overhand**, but the comments introduced me to two other approaches:
� **Lathe** — using a lathe with a quick chuck to hold the bur
� **Pencil** — holding the handpiece more like a pencil
� **Overhand** — Also called Palm and Thumb - my usual trimming technique
So today, I'm taking **three nearly identical retainers** and trimming one with each technique.
I'll be honest… I'm pretty comfortable with the overhand method. The other two? This could get interesting. �
We'll see which technique feels the most natural, which gives the best control, and whether I can actually make a decent retainer using someone else's technique!
And if you've been trimming acrylic for years, **I want to hear how YOU hold your handpiece.** Jump into the chat and tell me which method you use and why.
Let's compare techniques, talk shop, and hopefully have a few laughs along the way!
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