Molar bands - necessary?

Message

#1 Post by **alliphd** » Fri May 11, 2007 7:43 am

So I've got my appt set to get my braces on June 1 (In-Ovation C on top, metal on bottom). My question is about spacers and molar bands. I had braces when I was 12-14, and I know I got spacers and molar bands at that time. My ortho did not give me spacers, so I don't know if he plans to use bands or not. Is this typical?

#2 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Fri May 11, 2007 9:21 am

Don't be alarmed, I was expecting spacers and bands too. Come b-day, he just bonded on molar brackets and buccal tubes. It was unexpected and I guess nice since I didn't have those annoying little rubber things making me want to floss them out.

#3 Post by **Nikkiekoala** » Sat May 12, 2007 10:16 am

I had molar bands simply because I have crowns on all of my molars. The glue for the brackets don't last long or at all on crowns so bands are necessary.

#4 Post by **Thathrill** » Sat May 12, 2007 4:52 pm

I was like the worst patient coming into my braces. I didn't even know about spacers until a day before my appt and I was freaking out. My ortho never said anything about spacers either and I hate surprises (even good surprises lol) But when I went in, I was pleasantly surprised that they only placed a molar bracket. I just think its interesting that I didn't have a lot of questions until I got the braces on.

#5 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Sun May 13, 2007 3:09 am

I too have crons but was placed brackets instead of bands. He jsut said if they didn't ccome off in a week or so I would be fine. It's been over a month since I had the uppers...no problems here. Also he said something about the first week bing the most pressure on them. I think there is a general rule of thumb but there may also be exceptions as is with any case.

#6 Post by **lionfish** » Sun May 13, 2007 4:24 pm

The glue for the brackets don't last long or at all on crowns so bands are necessary.

I had a bracket (buccal tube) pop off a crowned molar three days into treatment. It was reattached with different glue and hasn't budged in over 15 months.

#7 Post by **Taylor** » Sun May 13, 2007 5:12 pm

I have buccal brackets (I think. . .They look like medieval torture devices) in the back (first six in front are ceramic); and I don't have bands or spacers.

#8 Post by **bracesafter40** » Sun May 13, 2007 8:14 pm

So I've got my appt set to get my braces on June 1 (In-Ovation C on top, metal on bottom). My question is about spacers and molar bands. I had braces when I was 12-14, and I know I got spacers and molar bands at that time. My ortho did not give me spacers, so I don't know if he plans to use bands or not. Is this typical?

When I first got my braces in, I had called up my Ortho and asked about this. She said I don't need any spacers as she does not use molar bands. So far she has not. I have lost the same bracket from my last molar twice now. She roughened the tooth surface twice to make it hold better. It's been 5 days since she put it back on and it is holding now.
I'm not sure if a headgear can be secured on the molar bandless molar, but according to my Ortho, I don't have one in my future, but I've told her I am not averse to wearing one so I will see if she decided to give me one later what she will do.

So, like others have said it is a preference.

#9 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Mon May 14, 2007 1:05 am

My ortho's office did say that if a molar bracket falls off more than 5 times, they will use a band. (she also mentioned that it wasn't too often that they would have to for an adult)

#10 Post by **gunter8888** » Mon May 14, 2007 1:25 pm

I was fairly concerned with the spacers/bands issue when I went for my final consultation. I asked the ortho when I would be getting the spacers and he looked at me like I was speaking a foriegn language. Then he smiled and said, "You won't be getting any spacers or bands. I never use them." I mentioned that I have crowns on both of the teeth that would be anchoring the upper braces and he calmly replied, "We have special glue for crowns. Not a problem." Sure enough, when they applied my braces they used a different glue for the teeth with crowns and it hasn't been an issue.

While the decision on whether to use bands or not is aparently a personal preference thing for the orthos, I am glad I didn't need spacers. Many people here and elsewhere make them sound like the worst part of having braces.

#11 Post by **Thathrill** » Mon May 14, 2007 1:38 pm

i am also glad that I didn't have to wear spacers. after reading comments about them, it has freaked me out a bit lol

I am sure it is not as bad but i do not wish to endure it

#12 Post by **alliphd** » Thu May 17, 2007 4:09 pm

Thanks all! I look forward to posting in a couple of weeks with actual experiences with my new braces.

Metal Mouth Message Board

Molar bands - necessary?

Molar bands - necessary?

Re: Molar bands - necessary?