[A technic for cementing orthodontic bands; SEM research on the enamel and filling damages and a protective wax...

Damage of enamel and filling margins occurs during the removal of zinc phosphate cement with hooks and scalers after band cementation. This was revealed by scanning electron microscopy in different stages of the study in vitro and in vivo. When glass ionomer cement was used, and although the surplus cement was wiped off still being plastic, it could not be avoided that cement was wiped into the fissures and stuck to the slopes of the cusps. A protection of the occlusal surface with wax as described in this study is helpful for both using glass ionomer and zinc phosphate cement. Contamination of the occlusal surface with cement is avoided, and the isolating effect reduces the necessity to scratch off cement surplus.