What is Indirect Bonding?
Indirect bonding is a far more precise, comfortable, and time-efficient way of placing braces compared to traditional methods that enables your brackets to be placed all at once instead of one tooth at a time. By using digital scans of your teeth, orthodontists can accurately plan your entire treatment process with your desired results in mind. Not only does this method of braces placement drastically reduce the time needed for the initial session, from over an hour to often less than ten minutes, it also significantly shortens overall treatment time. The precision of placement is especially important: the closer your braces are to the ideal placement from the start, the fewer office visits you’ll need to get the smile of your dreams.
The Indirect Bonding Process
Using cutting-edge technology such as LightForce or KLOwen, the practice of indirect bonding begins with a scan of your mouth to produce remarkably accurate digital models of your teeth. This process only takes a few short minutes. The digital models are then used to map out your treatment plan and pinpoint the optimal initial placement of your brackets for each tooth. 3D printed trays designed to fit your teeth are then created, and the brackets for your braces are set onto those trays where they are sealed and cured. Once this step is complete, the trays are ready to be used for your braces fitting.
Setting Your Braces
By the time you come to our office to have your braces fitted, most of the work that traditionally requires you to sit in the orthodontist’s chair has already been completed! At your fitting appointment, your teeth are prepped for the adhesive necessary for braces. Then, your trays are securely fastened onto your teeth enabling all of your brackets to be applied simultaneously. After ensuring proper alignment has been achieved, the braces are separated from the trays. From there, all that’s left is the time needed for the adhesive to cure before your fitting is complete.
Adjustments to Your Braces
After you receive your braces, you’ll need to be seen in the office every 6 to 14 weeks. During these appointments, any adjustments needed will be made to the wires running through your braces to keep your treatment on track. As with traditional braces, you should avoid sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods to prevent damage to your braces, which can extend your treatment time.
