Indirect bonding is a method of applying brackets for braces to the teeth in such a manner that an entire set of braces can be applied, including expanders, in less than an hour. Traditionally, braces are placed on each individual tooth, one at a time. The procedure required meticulous, long, painstaking sessions for both patient and doctor, to ensure each bracket was in the correct position, especially in the back of the mouth.
Indirect Bonding Process
Indirect bonding is a technique in which molds of the teeth are made, and most of the work for the braces is done in the lab. It is a remarkable process that depends on our ability to make particularly accurate models of your teeth. Much detail goes into the accurate measurement and alignment of the model, since your mouth is naturally unique to you.
The brackets for the braces are placed on the models of the teeth, exactly in the right place, fitted into the trays made on the model, and sealed and cured.
Setting the Braces
When you come to our office to have your braces fitted, the trays, made from your own teeth models, have been completed with the braces built into them. All that remains is a short sitting to fit the trays onto your teeth, align them, and separate the braces from the trays.
Your own teeth will have to undergo some preparatory work in order to accept the braces. This involves preparing the surface of the teeth for the adhesive for the braces, as well as preparing the surfaces of any crowns. You will also have a short period to wait while the adhesive cures, once the braces are in place.
All the other work that would traditionally have been done in the orthodontist’s chair has been done on the models, and by the time the orthodontist sees you for the second sitting, your braces are exactly aligned to your teeth, set in place, and the wires placed.
Adjustments to Your Braces
You will be seen approximately every six to 14 weeks. When needed, adjustments will be made to the wires that run through the braces. In this way, indirect bonded braces are very much like traditional braces. You’ll also need to follow a diet free of sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods, because they can damage your braces.
