ORTHODONTIC PEARLS: Streamlining Orthodontic Bonding with Next Generation Materials By Matthew Standridge DDS, FAGD, FICOI In the first installment of a new series of articles designed to share tips, tricks and product reviews to make your orthodontic practice more efficient, predictable and profitable, I will be sharing two products that I have been using for about 18 months in my practice with great success. E fficient and effective orthodon-tic bonding for both brackets, appliances and aligners are crucial in contemporary orthodontic practice. This article focuses on the use of Ortho Connect (Fig. 1), a one-step bonding cement for orthodontic brackets and appliances, and Aligner Connect (Fig. 2), a flowable resin for attach-ments, both by GC Orthodontics. This article highlights the benefits of these products and provides prac-tical tips for use in clinical settings. Advancements in orthodontic mate-rials have significantly improved treatment outcomes and clinical effi-ciency, and both of these products exemplify these advancements. step significantly reduces chair time, allowing for more effi-cient appointment timing and increased productivity. Instructions for Use ᕡ Clean the tooth surfaces: As with any bonding, preparation of the teeth for bonding is fundamental. No amount of advancement in adhesive tech-nology will overcome inade-quate cleaning or etching of the tooth surface. That is why it is important to clean the tooth surface thoroughly to remove any debris or plaque. (Fig. 3) ᕣ Consistency and Reliability: With fewer steps involved, as the adhesive’s ideal viscosity, insures reliable and precise bracket placement and more consistent bonding, reducing variability and enhancing the overall reliability of the bond-ing process. ᕤ Enhanced Bond Strength: Ortho Connect provides strong and reliable bonding, ensuring the brackets remain securely attached throughout the dura-tion of treatment. On a personal note: I will admit that I was skeptical of this claim, but clinical experience has shown not only no change in bracket debonds, but a REDUC-TION! Ortho Connect features excellent flexural strength which is paramount in supporting pressure from mastication. The material also boasts low elasticity ensuring that the material does not flex at the adhesive/base interface, which allows for high impact resistance without bond failure. ᕢ Etch the tooth surfaces for 15-30 seconds depending on the strength of etchant of your choice. (Fig .4) Teeth restored in porcelain, metal, zirconia or composite should be treated with the appropriate conditioner. Ortho Connect by GC Orthodontics Benefits ᕡ Simplified Bonding Process: Ortho Connect is a one-step bonding cement that eliminates the need for a separate primer, as it is already incorporated into the adhesive itself. This creates a simplified bonding process that reduces the steps involved, minimizes the potential for errors and reduces costs. ᕣ Coat the bonding surface of the bracket with the GC Ortho Connect Paste (Fig. 5). Note: The syringe comes with a reusable cap that helps prevent drying out of the material and helps decrease potential waste. ᕤ Position the bracket on the tooth ensuring the proper alignment. The viscosity of the material allows for placement on the tooth without sliding around. Remove the excess ᕢ Time Efficiency: The elimina-tion of the primer application Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 6 Summer 2024 JAOS
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Summer 2024: Page 6
