A new approach to indirect bonding using light-cure composites

Abstract

Indirect bonding offers many advantages over direct bonding. The ability to better visualize teeth for proper bracket placement and reduced chair time leads to a less stressful bonding experience for the orthodontist. Conventional approaches to indirect bonding have relied on transfer trays made of materials that are not transparent. After these trays are placed on teeth, one cannot ensure proper seating of the tray and, because of their opaque nature, the orthodontist must use self-cure composites that are very difficult to remove around the brackets after the tray is removed. A new approach has been proposed in this article, which significantly modifies the fabrication of the indirect bonding transfer tray and provides direct visualization and access to the brackets during both the laboratory and clinical stages of the procedure. Furthermore, the orthodontist may use light-cure composite resins, clean off excess composite around the brackets, and apply light curing when fully satisfied with bracket position and hygiene. (Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop 1997;111:652-56.)