Clinical applications of direct orthodontic bonding systems.

Utilization of direct bonding of attachments to tooth surfaces has greatly facilitated traditional full-banding procedures for patients undergoing complete orthodontic therapy. The bonding of plastic brackets best relegated to maxillary anterior teeth is supplemented with metal bracket bonding for posterior teeth. Buccal tubes attached to metal mesh pads may also be bonded, although conventional orthodontic bands and buccal tubes are ideal for posterior teeth. Bonded metal brackets can accommodate resilient arch wires, torque sectionals, and root paralleling springs. Direct bonding to recently exposed impacted cuspids facilitates elastic traction procedures--once difficult to do before at least partial eruption of these teeth. In addition to the treatment of full orthodontic cases, direct orthodontic bonding is also an adjunct in the correction of single tooth malpositions. The continual improvement of composite resin systems has truly provided a renaissance in orthodontic techniques and has greatly benefited treatment methods.