Bonding technique for Lingual Braces
The final technical pre-requisite for successful lingual treatment is of course being able to stick the brackets on effectively – not only onto the tooth enamel itself but also onto any kind of restorative material that is present. So, adhesion to various materials such as composites, ceramic, gold and amalgam must also be assured. Consequently, for all of these kinds of materials, abrasive powder blasting devices are usually employed that provide mechanical lambency by using 50 m-strength aluminium oxide, whilst, in a second stage of the process, chemical retention is increased by using special primers for ceramic, metallic or polymer materials. However, the use of orthodontic bands for the Lingual Technique is not acceptable, at least not in any area where they are visible.
When using the indirect bonding technique, the working area must be kept relatively dry, otherwise weak adhesion values will result in a higher bracket loss. The Dry Field System has proven to be of value here (Great Lakes Orthodontics, USA) as it simultaneously holds back the lips, cheeks and tongue, thereby assuring efficient drainage. Sufficient drainage can also be achieved by using conventional suction, dental cotton rolls and Dry-Angles, perhaps supplemented by the use of an antisialagogue (Probanthine).