The use of ceramic orthodontic brackets as rest seats for removable partial dentures

Ceramic orthodontic brackets were developed for the purpose of esthetics and increased tooth-to-bracket strength. An alternative method of preparing a rest seat on the lingual surface of lower canine teeth without violating the enamel integrity is offered. Ceramic orthodontic brackets were bonded to the lingual surfaces of mandibular canines and shaped into rest seats using diamond burs. Because the rest seats are not cut into the tooth structure, sensitivity and potential caries complications are avoided. The bracket is adhered to the tooth surface with a dimethacrylate bonding material. The brackets are bonded with either a no-mix or a two-part adhesive system. The strength of this bond will easily support the forces of a partial denture framework. The advantage over metal acid-etched retained rests is that this method avoids a time-consuming laboratory step. The greatest advantage over the use of composite resins that are shaped into rest seats is the much higher bond strength. After ceramic brackets were bonded to the lingual surfaces of mandibular canines and shaped into rest seats, an impression was obtained for the fabrication of a conventional partial denture framework.