Attachments Fall Off
Occasionally, an attachment may fall off after you place it. There can be several reasons for this, but the most common cause is bond failure.
When the composite does not fully adhere to the tooth, bond failure can occur. Most often, the cause is related to technique. To avoid this problem, you want to make sure to perform each step properly.
Causes for Attachments Falling Off
Performing even one step improperly can lead to cumulative errors that lead to bond failure.
Or, the problem could be a combination of common errors. For instance, not pumicing plaque off teeth followed by not maintaining a dry field and then adding too much bonding agent will most likely end in bond failure.
When each step is not performed properly, the result could be an attachment that stays in place for a while but eventually falls off.
The most common reasons for bond failure include:
Plaque prevents the etching from working properly
Oil or water contaminates the compressed air used to dry the tooth
The tooth is a restoration
Excess saliva or moisture
Using too thick a layer of primer
Poor curing process
Solutions to Keep Attachments from Falling Off
The best solution to avoid bond failure is to be sure you perform each step properly and in the correct order. Be sure to refer to the guidelines from the manufacturer for any etching and bonding materials you use.
Other solutions include:
If needed, use a pumice to remove plaque completely.
To avoid the contamination of compressed air with water or oil, make sure to maintain and service your compressor to ensure clean, dry air. If this issue continues, consider using a low-heat blow dryer instead.
If the tooth is a restoration, you may want to use a special porcelain etch.
To reduce saliva and moisture, use saliva evacuation systems and intraoral retractors.
Consider the amount of primer you use carefully and apply it in thin layers. Too much can weaken the bond between the tooth and the attachment. To thin the layer of primer, you can use a 3-5 second blast of compressed air.
Be sure to use the UV Lamp nozzle we send you when applying attachments. We created this tool to assist with achieving an optimal curing process.
What to Do if an Attachment Falls Off
While the superior design of OrthoSnap clear aligners requires far fewer attachments than other aligners, they are occasionally needed.
Therefore, when you place attachments, it is important that they stay in place. Treatment will not continue on track if an attachment falls off.
Make sure your patients understand the importance of letting you know if an attachment comes off. If a patient notifies you of a lost attachment, bring them in as soon as possible for a replacement.
Related Topics and Information:
Click to learn more about Aligners- Wear and Tear and understand if there Are There Still Attachments?
If you have questions or need to speak with someone at Orthosnap, please reach out to us at support@orthosnap.com.