I went to an appointment earlier today, and when I got home I had noticed that something was different. My bands were connected together and only 6 of them were separate (bottom-left-last 3 & top-right-last 3). I have not seen this before, and when I searched the internet for pictures of this, all of them had pictures with the bands separate so I was wondering if my orthodontist took a shortcut and decided to be lazy or if there was an actual scientific reason to her methodology?

Thanks,
Alex

Dr. Pang: Dear Alex ....please understand that it is difficult to determine exactly the nature of your case without consulting with your orthodontist or thoroughly reviewing your records.   However,    I am trying to imagine how your orthodontic bands are "connected together".   I can think of several methods when I would connect bands together, but I can't determine if this is the situation with your particular case.    Sometimes we will attach a larger lingual wire from one side to the other.   Other times, we will "undertie" bands/brackets together with a light wire.  And, still yet I have also bonded some temporary material to the chewing surface of several back teeth to help correct a deep overbite.   Furthermore,  there are times when we will use sectional arch wires that connect teeth together in just one area.    All these techniques are viable treatment options when appropriate.

I would strongly encourage you to ask your orthodontist at your next visit. Believe it or not, we do have your best interests in mind.   ;-)    And, you must have established some trust with your office at some point or you probably would have chosen another office.  Right?   So, what has caused you to lose trust?  Perhaps this is also something you should discuss in private with your orthodontist.    I would want to know if there was a problem. That's the only way we grow and become better.   Thanks Alex.

Peter Pang, DDS