Orthodontic Assistant Practice Exam

What should be done to teeth before cementation of braces?

1. They should be painted with fluoride

2. Teeth should be isolated and dried

3. They should be whitened

4. Teeth should be covered with a protective sealant

The correct answer is: Teeth should be isolated and dried

Before cementation of braces, it is essential to isolate and dry the teeth. This step is crucial because moisture can impede the bonding process of the orthodontic cement used to attach brackets to teeth. Ensuring that the surfaces of the teeth are dry allows for optimal adhesion and maximizes the effectiveness of the bonding agent. Properly isolating the teeth also helps prevent saliva from contaminating the bonding area, which can further compromise the bond strength. The other options, while they may seem beneficial, do not directly address the necessary preparation for cementation. Painting teeth with fluoride or whitening might be considered for other purposes but does not contribute to the bonding process. Covering teeth with a protective sealant might provide short-term protection, but it is not a standard practice preceding the bonding of braces and could actually interfere with the adhesive process. Thus, the isolation and drying of the teeth are the critical actions taken right before adding orthodontic brackets.