Direct Bonding and Its Application to Minor Tooth Movement

Abstract

For years orthodontists have dreamed of "bandless orthodontics" and the day when attachments could be bonded directly to the enamel surfaces of teeth, thus eliminating the tedious task of band fitting and cementation. Rapid progress has been made in recent years in bonding techniques. It is possible, but remains questionable, whether the need for banding teeth in orthodontic treatment will ever be entirely eliminated. There is no doubt that direct bonding has proven to be sufficiently dependable to be used in the treatment of full orthodontic cases, with apparently no significant harm being done to the enamel of the teeth. It is reasonable to believe that in time newer resins and bonding systems will be developed that will still provide sufficient strength but will be easier to remove when treatment has been completed. It may even be possible to develop resins that can be at least partly removed by the use of a solvent. By the elimination of conventional banding, it is now within the scope of many general practitioners to use fixed appliances in the treatment of minor tooth movement that cannot be easily treated with removable appliances. For orthodontists, the chair time required to start cases is considerably reduced when attachments are bonded. The trend today is to expand the duties that can be performed by dental auxiliaries in orthodontics. Direct bonding is a procedure that can be almost totally performed by a trained auxiliary. As a result, direct bonding may make it possible for orthodontists to manage a greater number of patients in the future. There is no doubt that even at this early stage, this technique has made a significant impact on the dental profession as a whole, and orthodontic practice in particular, and will continue to do so as further research is conducted and newer and better materials and techniques are developed.