Molar bands?

[drgnchsr36]

This is probably a dense question, but what do molar bands do? Or why have them?

I'm not getting them, so am just curious! Thanks

[Plumcore]

I'm supposed to get them because my back molars have a LOT of fillings on them. I had 2-3 of the 4 tooth walls punched by decay, and now they have fillings. Or so my ortho explained.

[BraceFace2o1o]

Sometimes molar bands are used rather than brackets, because a person has fillings in those teeth or they might have a crown. I think they can also be used if someone has a deep bite, to avoid a bracket being knocked off.

Basically, it's just a belt that goes around the tooth with a 'bracket' on it to hold the archwire

[drgnchsr36]

Ahh, I see.

Thanks guys!!

[fraid090]

I have two up two down. The uppers are linked with something akin to an expander and I might have them on the lowers for my deep bite. I'd like to know how they plan on removing them... can they melt the glue/concrete stuff?.

[Plumcore]

As far as i've read yes. I think they are attached the same way the brackets are, so they should be able to be removed the same way. I'm just guessing though.

[BraceFace2o1o]

I think they just 'squeeze' them a little and the glue gives/cracks and they then slip off easily... that's what I've read before on the forum.

[fraid090]

Brilliant, thanks