Orthodontic Band

Orthodontic band otherwise known as a molar band is a ring used for orthodontic treatments for the back molar teeth. The main goal of all orthodontists is to go through the treatment quickly and successfully, so they try every measure they may find useful in this process. For example, in some cases, an orthodontist may prefer to use an orthodontic band instead of orthodontic brackets.

Before anything else, we need to provide you with some explanation about the orthodontic band in order to make you more familiar with the functions of this device. In some cases, orthodontists prefer to install a stainless steel metallic ring around the tooth instead of sticking brackets to the teeth. Since the ring covers the entire environment of your tooth, this kind of orthodontic treatment is used only for the back molar teeth. In contrast to the brackets, bands stick more strongly around the tooth.

Orthodontic Band as a Replacement for the Damaged Brackets

One of the common problems in orthodontic treatments is that brackets get separated from the teeth. It often happens to the back molar teeth, because they experience more pressure due to chewing foods. In such cases, orthodontists start their treatment with sticking brackets. But in cases, brackets are separated several times, the orthodontic band would be used as an alternative option. Since this metallic ring covers the whole tooth, the imposed force during chewing is tolerated very well and hence it enjoys longer durability.

How To Place an Orthodontic Band?

This metallic ring must be place around the tooth, so the following steps are necessary for its placement:

• First, the orthodontist will determine which specific teeth need an orthodontic band. Then they denote these teeth with separators. Separators, which are used only a day before placing the orthodontic band, help to create the sufficient space between the tooth in question and other teeth.
• The next day the separator piece is removed, and the size of the necessary band is set given the created space.
• After that’s completed, the orthodontist puts the proper band to the tooth. However, it is preceded by filling the inside of the orthodontic band with special substance. This is because, when the ring touches the tooth tissue, it can easily cover the tooth. This substance is called cement.
• At the final step, the orthodontic band needs to be fixed roughly to the tooth and the orthodontic mold, otherwise, it would be released very easily.

Fixing the Orthodontic Band to the Teeth

Depending on the status of teeth and gum, orthodontists may use different methods to fix the band:

• Fixing the orthodontic band using wax.
• Band cementation.

Speaking about attaching the band with wax, it is necessary to note that if it is not completed properly, the tooth would move during molding the band.

The most important features of a proper orthodontic band

The best functionality of an orthodontic band will be clear when you use a proper one for your teeth. There are some criteria to choose a proper orthodontic band:

• Its placement process must be easy and it must be safe for both the tooth and gum.
• It must be elastic, it is not only important for the placement of the band, but also it would help the treatment procedure.
• Note: Please don’t forget that, orthodontic bands have to be matched with the form of tooth and jaw.