HELP!! I think my ortho may be LAZY!!

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#1 Post by **vincevaler** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 9:18 pm

I did some research before jumping into braces and I read that the procedure for putting on the bracket was to first mark the tooth with an etchant. Then use a bonding cement that is activated and cured with light for a firm tight bond.

My ortho however used some sort of cement and seems like he just eyeballed where he wanted to put it. No marking, no light. Just seems like he stuck something on my teeth with glue/cement freehand if you get what im trying to say.

I asked him about it on the same day and he said "oh its just a different way to put the brackets on". I asked an assistant and she said this way was faster. THAT WAS NOT WHAT I WANTED TO HEAR!!!

1.5 weeks later one of my brackets comes loose. I go back and they put it back on the same way. needless to say i am now frustrated and coming onto this message board to ask if this is normal procedure, if not what should i do? my friends that have braces said that their orthos did indeed use light from what they can remember (they got it when they were young).

any feedback appreciated, thanks.

#2 Post by **ame_malia** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 9:27 pm

I'm pretty sure mine used a light...
Although I wasn't 100% focused on what they were doing when I got my braces put on because I was trying not to gag on the giant thing they stuck in my mouth (lip-spreader-thing)
As for your bracket coming off. I think it may have to do with type of glue/cement they use rather than the way they put it on. I say this because my brother's ortho used the whole etching, light, etc procedure, and my brother had brackets constantly coming off (and he was very careful about what he ate). Either that or it has something to do with the individual (something in your saliva, perhaps)
I really don't know, just offering up suggestions other than saying your ortho screwed up, which is possible too.

#3 Post by **vincevaler** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 9:37 pm

ame_malia wrote:I'm pretty sure mine used a light...
Although I wasn't 100% focused on what they were doing when I got my braces put on because I was trying not to gag on the giant thing they stuck in my mouth (lip-spreader-thing)
As for your bracket coming off. I think it may have to do with type of glue/cement they use rather than the way they put it on. I say this because my brother's ortho used the whole etching, light, etc procedure, and my brother had brackets constantly coming off (and he was very careful about what he ate). Either that or it has something to do with the individual (something in your saliva, perhaps)
I really don't know, just offering up suggestions other than saying your ortho screwed up, which is possible too.

yeah i know brackets coming off has more to do with the cement, i just mentioned the way he put it on because i'm concerned with him maybe being lazy. i had no etching, no light. just a simple apply glue and paste job. something doesnt seem right, i've been watching what i eat very carefully too! =/

#4 Post by **Granola** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 9:46 pm

The etchant is not a mark on the tooth; consider it a acidic "primer" that causes the adhesive used to bond better when applying brackets.

My orthodontist carefully and slowly "eyeballed" it, placing each bracket exactly where he wanted them on the tooth's surface. He did use a light to "cure" the adhesive. Perhaps the adhesive your orthodontist used does not require curing with a light. Many people on these boards have lost a bracket soon after the initial bonding. It could be that the adhesive failed, that the shape of the tooth surface didn't allow for good bonding of the adhesive, there are many reasons. I don't think your ortho sounds lazy.

#5 Post by **Slickster** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 12:01 pm

Google "self etch self cure orthodontic adhesive"

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/e ... ve/Sondhi/

Here's one doc's insight into preferences:

Do you prefer auto-cure or light-cure bonding composites? Why?

"My personal preference is for a no-mix self cure for metal brackets and a light initiated resin for ceramic or plastic brackets. I prefer the no-mix material (System 1+) for its speed and its ease of excess clean up. However, it must be noted by your readers that I bond using a four-handed procedure with a chair-side assistant. I prefer to use a light initiated material for clear brackets as the light initiated systems will discolor significantly less than a self curing material."

What is your experience and expectations regarding the self-etchant sealants?

"The self-etch sealants are relatively new to enamel bonding but have been around for many years for dentin bonding. There mechanism relies relies more on a chemical bond (which is necessary for adhering to dentin) and less on a penetration of resin into etched enamel."

Sounds like you might lose less enamel with a non-etch (although the amount is probably relatively small anyway)...

http://www.oc-j.com/july03/Swartz.htm

#6 Post by **MsTiaLia** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 8:49 pm

I'm pretty sure my ortho eyeballed it too. I don't see that as laziness. Its likely an indicator that they've done this enough to know how to eyeball it. I'm okay with that. The alternative isn't always as comforting as you may think. I went to a new doctor at a teaching hospital for my asthma/allergies once. After my exam, he left for a while and when he came back, he had textbooks!!! Then he left again and came back with a professor!!! So I am OKAY with someone who is experienced:)

#7 Post by **samantha_lou** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 10:12 am

My Ortho placed all my brackets by eyeballing them, and with a few little adjustments here and there, before he cemented them and then his assistant put this light thing over them. My Ortho has been practicing for years and years, I'd be worried if he couldn't eyeball this stuff by now!

I wouldn't worry too much, there are different types of brackets and adhesives, and each Ortho has their own preference. Give it some time and see how you feel about his treatment!

#8 Post by **skibunnie29** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 4:56 pm

I"ll let you know on the 26th when my ortho puts them on.

I'm still upset that I have to get braces, but I think it will be worth it in the end.