Hello!
I’m N.K, a dental hygienist at Uji Orthodontic Clinic in Nara City.
How are orthodontic appliances attached to the teeth? 🤔
Well ✋, orthodontic appliances are bonded to the teeth using an adhesive!
Oops! That was too simple… 🙇♀️
Now, let me explain in more detail!
At our clinic, we use two different methods for attaching orthodontic appliances.
目次
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1 – Methods of Attaching Orthodontic Fixed Appliances (Brackets)
1.1 ① Direct Bonding System
1.2 ② Indirect Bonding System
1.3 POINT ☝️ This is Important!
Methods of Attaching Orthodontic Fixed Appliances (Brackets)
Our clinic adopts two methods for attaching orthodontic fixed appliances, mainly for permanent dentition.
The method used is determined by the orthodontist based on the patient’s case.
① Direct Bonding System
In this method, the orthodontist attaches each bracket to the tooth surface while checking its position and angle using a mirror.
Advantages
- No laboratory work is required, so the appliance can be attached at the patient’s convenience.
Disadvantages
- Since each bracket is placed individually using specialized tweezers while checking its position and angle, the patient must keep their mouth open for a longer time.
Attaching brackets to the front teeth
Attaching brackets to the molars
Using specialized tweezers for anterior and posterior teeth, the brackets are placed and bonded with a light-cured adhesive that releases fluoride.
This fluoride diffusion helps protect the enamel during the bonding process.
Additionally, a positioning gauge is used as an auxiliary tool to ensure the brackets are placed in the correct position on the tooth surface.
② Indirect Bonding System
In this method, a trusted and skilled dental technician creates a custom tray for each patient, which is then used to attach the brackets.
Advantages
- The brackets are precisely positioned on a model and transferred to the patient’s teeth using a custom tray.
- Since the adhesive is light-cured after positioning, the patient’s mouth does not need to remain open for long, reducing discomfort.
Disadvantages
- Since laboratory work is required, it takes about one month to prepare before the appliance can be attached.
At our clinic, if indirect bonding is difficult due to the patient’s tooth alignment or bite, we opt for direct bonding, carefully positioning each bracket manually.
POINT ☝️ This is Important!
Sandblasting Treatment
What is sandblasting?
Sandblasting is a process where aluminum oxide particles are blasted at high pressure onto the bonding surface of the bracket, creating microscopic roughness that enhances adhesion.
In simple terms…
Each bracket is held with tweezers and fine particles are blasted onto the bonding surface.
This treatment makes the surface rougher, allowing the adhesive to bond more effectively.
Although this process is time-consuming, at our clinic, we ensure all brackets undergo sandblasting before being attached.
Why is sandblasting important?
Performing sandblasting reduces the risk of bracket detachment, ensuring patients can undergo orthodontic treatment with greater peace of mind.
At our clinic, we prioritize precision and never compromise on essential steps to provide the highest level of care.
Yosuke Uji, DDS, PhD (Orthodontics)
Dental Hygienist N.K