Rebonding Brackets

 by Scott Hudson (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Inc.)

Rebonding a Metal Bracket

First, if you have a Microetcher, the best procedure is to "sand blast" the old adhesive off the bracket base and then clean the base using acetone. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Bond the bracket as if it were new.

If you do not have a Microetcher, follow these procedures: 

If the bracket comes off with adhesive covering the mesh, follow Steps 1 through 5 below.

If the bracket has come off "clean" with no adhesive on the base, clean the bracket base with acetone and start with Step 2 below.

1. With a green stone, lightly abrade or roughen the adhesive on the bracket base. DO NOT expose the mesh or base -- the idea is to lightly roughen the adhesive layer.
2. Prepare enamel surface by removing any residual adhesive and then prophy, rinse, etch, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
3. Mix and apply a liberal coat of Enhance Adhesion Booster to the etched enamel. Wait 30 seconds and lightly air dry.
4. Paint a thin coat of Reliance Plastic Conditioner on the bracket base and allow to dry for 1 minute. NOTE: If Reliance Plastic Conditioner is not available, Enhance Adhesion Booster may be substituted.
5. If Rely a Bond is used, Rely a Bond Primer, must be applied to the enamel surface and bracket base. Place Rely a Bond paste on the bracket and position on the tooth.
   If phase II, Light Bond, or Excel is used, place a thin coat of sealant on the tooth surface and bracket base. Apply the paste to the bracket base and position on the tooth. When using Phase II Dual Cure or Light Bond, cure with visible light for 40 seconds.

Rebonding Plastic Brackets

If the bracket comes off the tooth "clean" with no adhesive on the back use the following procedure:

1. Using a brush or sponge pellet, wipe off the back of the bracket with pure alcohol and blow dry with oil free air. 
2. Prepare the enamel surface by removing any residual adhesive, then prophy, rinse, etch, rinse, and dry thoroughly. 
3. Apply a coat of Reliance Plastic Conditioner to the bracket and allow it to remain on the base for 60 seconds. 
4. Mix A & B Enhance Adhesion Booster in a mixing well and apply a liberal coat to the tooth surface. Let it remain on the surface for 20 - 30 seconds and then lightly blow dry with oil free air. 
5. If Rely a Bond is used, Rely a Bond Primer is applied to the enamel surface and the bracket base. Place Rely a Bond Paste on the bracket and position on the tooth. If Phase II, Light Bond, or Excel is used, apply the Sealant to the tooth surface and bracket base. Apply the Paste to the bracket base and position on the tooth.

If the bracket comes off the tooth with adhesive imbedded in the base follow the same procedure as with a metal bracket starting with Step 1.