How to Use Button Cutouts with Aligners

For a downloadable PDF version of this information click here.

Materials and instruments needed for button cutouts: 

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Phosphoric acid 35%

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Orthodontic resin for bonding

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Ceramic/plastic button for anterior teeth to preserve esthetics

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Metal button for posterior teeth

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Aligner hole punch plier

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Elastic band

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Clear aligner

 

For button cutouts for Class II correction, refer to the following:

 

1. Modify the aligner(s) to prepare for bonding of the buttons:

Use a hole punch plier or acrylic or diamond bur, to remove a semi-circular area of the aligner’s gingival margin above the upper canine and lower first molar, where you will be bonding buttons.

 Button Cutout above Upper Arch Canine

276A0062-v2.jpg

 

2. Tooth preparation using conventional etch and bonding protocols:

Etch the area on the teeth where the buttons will be placed. Rinse the acid and dry with the air/water syringe.

 

3. Button placement:

Bond the button to the cervical third of the clinical crowns, close to the gingival margin and centered on the teeth.

 

4. Elastic placement: 

Insert the aligner and stretch the elastic between the facial buttons that you placed.

 

Button to Button Cutouts

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Slit to Button Cutouts

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5. Carefully monitor the progress of the correction at each appointment.

The elastic is worn until the Class II malocclusion is corrected or slightly overcorrected. Overcorrection can be planned in the treatment setup as well to prevent relapse.

 

For button cutouts for Class III correction, refer to the following:

 

1. Modify the aligner(s) to prepare for bonding of the buttons:

Use a hole punch plier or acrylic or diamond bur, to remove a semi-circular area of the aligner’s gingival margin above the upper first molar and lower canine, where you will be bonding buttons.

 Button Cutout below Lower Arch First Molar

276A0058-v2.jpg

 

2. Tooth preparation using conventional etch and bonding protocols:

Etch the area on the teeth where the buttons will be placed. Rinse the acid and dry with the air/water syringe.

 

3. Button placement:

Bond the button to the cervical third of the clinical crowns, close to the gingival margin and centered on the teeth.

 

4. Elastic placement: 

Insert the aligner and stretch the elastic between the facial buttons that you placed.

 

Button to Button Cutouts

276A0022-v2.jpg

 

Slit to Button Cutouts

276A0094-v2_edited.jpg

 

5. Carefully monitor the progress of the correction at each appointment.

The elastic is worn until the Class III malocclusion is corrected or slightly overcorrected. Overcorrection can be planned in the treatment setup as well to prevent relapse.

 

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