Braces are attached to teeth using a special sticky material and a curing light.
Attaching braces is a precise process performed by an orthodontist. The main components, the brackets, are bonded directly to the surface of each tooth.
The Attachment Process
The process involves carefully preparing the tooth surface and then bonding the bracket securely. Based on common orthodontic practices, the key steps for attaching brackets include:
- Tooth Preparation: The surface of each tooth is typically cleaned and conditioned to ensure the bonding material adheres properly.
- Applying Adhesive: As part of the attachment process, an orthodontist will use a small amount of sticky material (often referred to as glue or cement) in the center of each tooth. This material acts as the adhesive.
- Bracket Placement: The bracket is then carefully place[d] down onto the sticky material on the tooth until it sticks. The orthodontist positions it precisely on the tooth surface.
- Setting the Bond: To harden the adhesive and secure the bracket firmly in place, the orthodontist should shine a special light over the tooth to set the glue and harden the bracket into place. This light, often a curing light, quickly cures the bonding agent.
Once all the brackets are bonded, the orthodontic wires and elastic bands (ligatures) are added, connecting the brackets and beginning the alignment process. The bond created by the adhesive is strong enough to withstand the forces needed for tooth movement while remaining safe for the enamel.
Key Materials Used
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sticky Material | Bonds bracket to tooth surface |
| Special Light | Cures/hardens the adhesive |
| Orthodontic Bracket | Attached to tooth; holds wire |
Understanding how braces are attached helps demystify the initial stage of orthodontic treatment. It's a safe and effective method for fixing brackets firmly in place to begin the journey towards a straighter smile.
