The appropriate wingless clamp (W8A for molars, W1 for premolars) is selected and flossed. The rubber dam is punched and aligned with the quadrant to be treated. The clamp, held in the forceps and retained with the ratchet, is placed securely on the tooth. One advantage of this method is that the opportunity now exists to verify the fit of the clamp before proceeding (Fig. 12).
The rubber dam is now held in both hands, and the index fingers used to stretch out the punched hole, which is slipped over the bow of the clamp and pulled forward and down onto the tooth. Again, the nurse may hold the top of the sheet to improve vision for the operator. The frame and
gauze are applied, the floss removed and the seal verified or adjusted as necessary.