Advances in fixed appliance design and use: 2. Auxiliaries, adhesives, appliance care and debonding

Abstract

Many new developments in design and materials have made it easier for orthodontists to produce good results with fixed appliances in a shorter time. Orthodontic treatment has also become more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing for patients. This is the second of two papers which are intended to provide an update on fixed appliance design and use, so patients can be informed of relevant advances before they are referred to a specialist for orthodontic advice. Part 1 discussed the development in brackets and archwires. Part 2 will now cover recent advances in ligatures and elastomeric ties, intraoral auxiliaries, adhesives, products to assist oral hygiene and prevention during fixed appliance treatment, and new methods of debonding.