Surgeon Training
Resources for Patient Selection & Application
Application Training
Tutorial Video (2:04)
QUICK TIPS
Use the Largest Size (Green) Possible
Use 3-4 Ties per Side
Pull Through Gingival Tissue and Fully Tighten
Use the largest size Minne Ties whenever possible, which minimizes the chance of "flossing out" (i.e. the Ties can pull through the contact point). Only drop down to a smaller size if the largest size won't fit in the embrasure. In this image, the circled Minne Tie would have ideally been the larger size.
It is recommended to use 6-8 ties total for the best strength of construct; Minne Ties are designed to work as a system. Ideally place the ties in sequential embrasures, which creates a buttressing effect. This reinforces the overall strength of construct.
First, tighten each of the Minne Ties finger tight. If the tissue is pierced during insertion, be sure to pull the suture through that tissue by using a rocking motion (see image). Lastly, while holding the clasp against the teeth, pull straight out on the suture with a needle driver. Make sure the Minne Ties are fully seated at the contact points.
Initial Patient Selection
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Good Dentition
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Simple Fractures
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TMJ/Orthognathic Surgery
Comprehensive Training Tips
Tutorial Video (2:36)
Standard Application Tips
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Make a plan – assess embrasure alignment
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Always try the 1.0 mm size first. If it will not fit use the .7 mm size
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Begin posteriorly, moving anteriorly as you place ties
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Insert introducer into the maxillary embrasure, from buccal to lingual
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Insert introducer back out of the mandibular embrasure from lingual to buccal
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Place the introducer into the green side of the clasp head
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Pull on the suture to tighten, not on the metal introducer
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Tighten all sutures 'finger tight'. Double check occlusion
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Tighten again to remove any "slack" by holding clasp against teeth with a pickle fork or needle driver and pulling perpendicularly out on the suture
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Leave the tie loose until all sutures have been placed
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Apply 4 per side, using adjacent embrasures when possible
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Make sure Ties are fully seated at the contact points (pulled through any tissue)
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Use suture scissors or scalpel to cut the tail of the suture
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Cut suture to remove in the OR, ED, or clinic
Alternative Application Techniques
Bridle Wire
Figure Eight
It is sometimes beneficial to place Minne Ties in a figure 8 formation for temporary MMF. This can be done by inserting the introducer into the maxillary embrasure and leaving a half inch tail at the clasp end to secure during the last step. Loop horizontally and exit the lingual embrasure, then cross diagonally to reinsert into the mandible buccal embrasure. Loop horizontally again and insert the introducer into the clasp head.
Physicians can reduce a mandible fracture prior to plating by applying Minne Ties horizontally around a few adjacent teeth, straddling the fracture. The best practice is to use the Minne Ties bridle wire style application in conjunction with vertical Minne Ties applied sequentially, as the strength of Minne Ties comes from their use as a system. This technique is comparable to applying a bridle wire for fracture reduction.
Shared Embrasure
Two Minne Ties can share an embrasure when the standard application isn't possible due to inadequate dentition. Best practice is to form a "triangle" by applying Minne Ties in two separate embrasures on the maxilla or mandible and by sharing one embrasure on the opposite site.
