What Is Dental Cement and Why Do Dentists Use It in Orthodontics?

Whenever you visit your dentist for certain treatments, they may speak about dental cement. You may be a little alarmed to hear that this is something you will be fitted with. However, while the name can sound a little strange, it is a very useful and important material to a lot of dentists. It is a substance used specifically for orthodontic purposes. This cement is used to keep all work in place, protect your teeth, and in some cases aid the healing process.

In this blog, we will talk about what dental cement is, why it is used so often in orthodontics, and where else you may come into contact with it in normal treatments.

What Is Dental Cement?

Dental cement is a dental adhesive material used by a dentist to bond dental components to natural teeth. It is not like normal glue used at home but is specially formulated to be biocompatible, safe and effective in the mouth.

There are a variety of dental cements for different purposes. Some are temporary, allowing removal of the restoration later. Others are permanent and designed to last for years. They can also be selected for their strength, setting time, and resistance to saliva and chewing forces.

Use of Dental Cement in Orthodontics

Orthodontics often involves attaching brackets, bands, or other appliances to the teeth. Dental cement plays a critical role in this process.

• Braces: Brackets are bonded to the surface of the teeth using cement, ensuring they stay in place during treatment despite the pressure of wires moving teeth gradually.
• Orthodontic Bands: Occasionally, metal bands are used around molars, and dental cement is applied to hold these bands tightly in place, preventing them from slipping.
• Retainers and Appliances: Some fixed retainers or space maintainers may also depend on cement to stay securely attached.

Without dental cement, orthodontic appliances would not remain in place long enough to be effective. It allows orthodontists to predictably and safely guide teeth into better positions over months or years of treatment.

Other Common Uses of Dental Cement

Beyond orthodontics, dental cement has a wide range of applications:

1. Crowns and Bridges
   Cement can be used to permanently fix dental  crowns and bridges to natural teeth or dental implants, providing the restoration with a secure fit that doesn’t shift or move when biting and chewing.
2. Temporary Restorations
   If a dentist is waiting for a permanent crown or bridge to be made, temporary cement may be used to hold a provisional one in place. This allows for easy removal when the final restoration is ready.
3. Inlays, Onlays, and Veneers
   Like crowns, inlays, onlays, and dental veneers are often bonded to a tooth using cement for a strong, natural-looking finish.
4. Liners and Bases
   In some cases, cement can be used as a liner to be applied directly underneath a filling, which protects the tooth’s nerve from irritation or sensitivity.

Why Is Dental Cement So Important?

Dental cement is not just about holding things together. Its benefits include:

• Strength and Durability: It can withstand the forces of chewing and biting.
• Sealing Ability: It helps prevent bacteria from getting underneath restorations, protecting against decay.
• Versatility: Different formulations can be adapted for temporary or permanent use.
• Aesthetic Options: Tooth-coloured cements blend in naturally, especially when used for cosmetic treatments like veneers.

Dental cement is something that many patients don’t hear about on a regular basis. However, it is a very important part of dentistry these days. In orthodontics, it is used to keep brackets and bands in place so that teeth can move in a safe and effective manner. Beyond that, it plays a crucial role in securing crowns, bridges, veneers, and temporary restorations.

In this way, dental cement allows dentists to offer effective treatment options that restore oral function, enhance the look of a smile, and protect against oral health problems.

So the next time your dentist refers to dental cement, you’ll know that it is a big part of keeping your smile healthy and strong.