Traditional bracket placement involves the orthodontist hand placing each bracket directly on the tooth. Accurate bracket placement directly in the mouth is very difficult for even the most experienced orthodontist. Indirect bonding has been an exciting advancement in orthodontics over the last 10 years. It has great benefit to the patient as it improves patient comfort, reduces the amount of time in the dental chair, improves the accuracy of bracket placement, and reduces overall treatment time. Despite these advantages less than 10% of orthodontists routinely practice indirect bonding. It requires a number of technically precise laboratory procedures.

To ensure accurate bracket placement and reduce treatment time, our office employs a 100% indirect bonding technique when possible. Rather than being placed directly in the mouth, our brackets are mounted in the precise location on the patient’s treatment models. A special tray is fabricated to transfer the brackets to the patient’s teeth in the same precise location. This process improves accurate bracket placement since the bracket alignment can be viewed from several angles. The same visualization is not possible working directly in the mouth.

Old fashioned bands on the teeth are generally unnecessary, if proper diet instructions are followed, even on the back teeth (molars). Bonded brackets are more comfortable, less irritating and healthier for the gums.