What is orthodontic bonding? How does it work?

Orthodontic bonding is part of the process to place braces on your teeth. In fact, it is the process of placing braces on your teeth. If you haven’t heard of orthodontic bonding, you may have some questions!

We’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about bonding braces:

What does ‘bonding’ mean for braces?

‘Bonding’ brackets to your teeth means gluing brackets to your teeth. Orthodontic bonding is adhesive for braces brackets, often called dental cement or braces cement.

Bonding brackets to your teeth helps to ensure that your braces are durable and resistant to everyday wear and tear, like eating!

Getting braces may sound like a complicated process, but your orthodontist will guide you through every step of the process. Here’s a little sneak peek of what you can expect:

Orthodontic Bonding Process (aka Getting your braces!)

Getting your braces on is exciting! Soon you’ll be on your way to the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of. The entire braces bonding process may take about 45 minutes to an hour.

  1. First, we’ll clean your teeth to ensure that we aren’t trapping any debris when we attach your braces.
  2. Next, we insert a cheek retractor device that holds your lips back. This gives your orthodontist a better view of your teeth and helps to keep your teeth dry throughout the process.
  3. Your orthodontist or orthodontist assistant applies a polish to your teeth and allows them to air dry.
  4. A conditioner is applied to the teeth and left for 30 seconds, then rinsed off. (This helps your braces stick to your teeth.)
  5. We’ll dry your teeth, then apply a primer, or adhesive, that also helps your brackets bond.
  6. Now we can place braces on your teeth! During this step, your orthodontist will apply bonding cement to each bracket, then place one on each tooth. We will remove any excess adhesive.
  7. A special blue light is then applied to your brackets to harden the bonding cement and finalize the orthodontic bonding process!
  8. Your orthodontist will fit metal bands around your back molars to anchor your archwires.
  9. Your archwires are threaded through the brackets on both your top and bottom teeth.
  10. Your braces are complete! You can check them out in the mirror.

Is the bonding process the same for all types of braces?

Whether you choose traditional braces, clear braces or InBrace lingual braces, the orthodontic bonding process is similar. Instead, clear braces use ceramic brackets, and lingual brackets are bonded to the back surfaces of the teeth – out of view.

Your orthodontist will talk you through the entire process with braces or Invisalign®, so you always know what to expect. Keeping you informed is important to us! Please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions at any time in your treatment.

How do I schedule my first visit?

All you have to do to get started is request your complimentary consultation with us! Fishbein Orthodontics is proud to be the leading family orthodontist for Northwest Florida. Our orthodontists are some of the most experienced in the area, and we’re dedicated to creating a positive experience for you and your family.

We are also Diamond Plus Invisalign providers – the highest achievement for Invisalign! If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Pensacola, Navarre, Pace, Crestview, Ft. Walton, Niceville, Cantonment, and Perdido, we are a high quality, affordable orthodontist near you.

Request your complimentary first visit today!