A simple instrument for achieving accurate alignment and pre-insertion stability with mandibular bone plates

The modified Dingman forceps provides several advantages over currently designed plate-holding forceps. The rubber tubing prevents metal-to-metal contact of the forceps on the plate and provides increased stability to the plate. The long lingual jaws of the Dingman forceps are applied to the lingual bone at a point remote from the screw canal, and this prevents damage to the prepared canals. The design of the forceps' jaws provides three-point rigidity to stabilize the plate and, therefore, ensures proper alignment, adaptation, and pre-insertion fixation.