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A Look into How Orthodontic Bonding Works

Life Is Better With a Smile

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  • Labbe Family Orthodontics
  • January 24, 2019

Getting braces for your teeth is a popular way to correct many kinds of orthodontic problems. Metal brackets attached to each tooth are connected by wires with tension that straighten your teeth—but how does your orthodontist make sure those brackets stay on? It’s the interesting process of orthodontic bonding. Let’s take a closer look.

Types of Bonding

There are two main types of orthodontic bonding: direct and indirect. Direct bonding involves correctly attaching and positioning metal brackets right onto your teeth the first time. Indirect bonding is when the orthodontist first uses a plaster model of your teeth to position the brackets, and then transfers them to your actual teeth.

Preparing the Teeth

Braces can’t work unless your brackets stay where they are. To make sure that happens, the surface of your teeth have to be completely dry. This ensures that the bond between your tooth’s surface and the metal bracket will be strong enough to keep brackets where they are in the long-term. Cotton rolls, saliva ejectors, cheek retractors, and lip expanders are all tools that your orthodontist uses to keep teeth dry for the next stage.

Next, the orthodontist will etch your teeth using an acidic etching agent. Etching will make your tooth’s enamel rough so that the bonding agent will have a better hold, but don’t worry—the roughening of the enamel is microscopic. Now that your teeth are prepared, it’s time to attach the brackets.

Bonding Systems

There are two types of bonding systems available to attach brackets to your teeth: no mix and two-paste mix.

No Mix

The no mix system consists of a liquid primer and paste. The primer is placed on the etched surface of the tooth and on the base of the bracket. The paste is then applied to the bracket base, and the bracket placed onto the tooth.

Two-Paste Mix

In the two-paste mix system, two bonding resin liquids are mixed and applied to etched tooth enamel, and two pastes are mixed and applied to the base of the metal bracket before placing it onto the tooth.

Curing

Once the brackets are placed on your teeth with the one or two mix bonding systems, that bond has to be hardened or cured with a curing lamp. Your orthodontist will use either a halogen or an LED curing lamp, placing it as close as possible to your metal brackets. The higher the intensity of the light, the less time it will take to harden the bonding agent. After that, wires are placed between each bracket, and you’re good to go.

Ready for Braces? We Can Help

If a loved one or you are ready to get braces, Labbe Family Orthodontics offers affordable orthodontic treatment for all ages. No matter which of our locations in Maryland you choose, you’ll always be treated like family. Life is better with a smile; call us at (410) 267-7300 to schedule your consultation with one of our orthodontic specialists today.

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Today’s a great day to learn more about orthodontic care and how we can help you change your life by changing your smile.

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Tyler S.
I really like this place the braces have acually worked unlike other places and the community is fun to be around
Uyen J.
Great office, everyone is super friendly. Convenient for kids coming directly from school, they provide space for them to brush/rinse before their appointment.
Brenda P.
Thank you, Dr. Miller and the entire team, for your outstanding care and professionalism. I truly appreciate the kindness, patience, and expert treatment you provide every visit—it makes a world of difference!
Shannon W.
Absolutely amazing staff and doctors! They have been amazingly professional each time we visit. I truly wish this could be our permanent dentist. We couldn’t have had a better experience for my daughter’s braces from beginning to end. I would refer them to anyone who is looking to get braces whether adults or children. Just an overall wonderful experience. Truly hard to find experiences like this!
Jason M.
Wonderful practice. My son looks forward to the visits. Very warm, welcoming and family oriented.
Nikki J.
Best Part!!! They care! Service: You will be in and out. All of the offices are ran like a well oiled machine. My smile will thank them forever.
John D.
Labbe Family Orthodontics is an outstanding office, with an exceptional team - from the friendly front office to the skilled orthodontists, everyone is always eager to assist and accommodate all patients. This goes without exception to Brittany, whose kindness goes above and beyond.

Highly recommend this office for anyone seeking top-notch orthodontic care!
Shannon T.
Labbe Family Orthodontics is a fantastic practice. They took their time and explained everything during our consultation. Tricia was incredibly helpful in explaining payment options and assisting us in determining what coverage we would have if we purchased a supplemental dental plan.
Dan H.
I never thought getting braces for our kids could be a joyful experience until we entered Labbe. We were blessed with an experience that pursued excellence while exhibiting amazing personal and relational care with an injection of authentic joy. Highly recommend!
Debbie S.
I love Labbe they are nice people and they take good care of you I would highly recommend
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Whether you visit our location in Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton, or Greenbelt, we offer all of the same orthodontic services. You will be treated with the same attention, experience, and high level of quality care. We look forward to serving you and your family soon!

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  • 114 Forbes St.
    Annapolis, MD 21401
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  • 4000 Mitchellville Rd. Suite 316
    Bowie, MD 20716
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  • 2630 Brandermill Blvd.
    Gambrills, MD 21054
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  • 7525 Greenway Center Dr. Suite 101
    Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone
  • (410) 267-7300
Office Hours
Monday8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday8:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday8:00am – 5:00pm
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Addresses
  • Annapolis
  • 114 Forbes St.
    Annapolis, MD 21401
  • Bowie
  • 4000 Mitchellville Rd. Suite 316
    Bowie, MD 20716
  • Crofton
  • 2630 Brandermill Blvd.
    Gambrills, MD 21054
  • Greenbelt
  • 7525 Greenway Center Dr. Suite 101
    Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone
  • (410) 267-7300
Office Hours
Monday8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday8:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday7:30am – 12:30pm
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