ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Composite bonding plays a significant role in all phases of dental practice from orthodontics to restorative dentistry and even endodontics, yet, at the present time has had limited use by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The purpose of this article is 3-fold: to recommend a material for bonding and the method of application for composites; to describe the requirements of the orthodontist when referring a patient for the uncovering of teeth because this is usually the surgeon's primary, if not only, experience with bonding; and to describe situations that may present in the office that will benefit with the use of composite bonding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with various problems requiring the stabilization of teeth are presented and in a number of cases the effectiveness of the wired bar and the bonded bar is compared. These cases include the management of dentoalveolar fractures, avulsed or displaced teeth, its application to porcelain restorations without ill effects, and other situations that may arise in the office where fixation and stabilization of teeth is mandatory for success. RESULTS: Composite bonding provides the most effective method of stabilizing and immobilizing teeth with successful results in almost all cases. On the other hand, the wired arch bar and other wire combinations, which at the present time is the primary, if not the only treatment for these cases, are second to it from all aspects. CONCLUSION: The successful results with composite bonding along with its case of placement without pain or bleeding or psychological stress on the patient or operator warrants consideration by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon for greater utilization of this material in his office.
