title: Bonded molar tubes: a survey of their use by specialist orthodontists.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the use of bonded molar tubes (BMTs) by specialist orthodontists.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective postal questionnaire.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ireland.
  
  
  METHODS
  Registered members of the Orthodontic Society of Ireland.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was posted to registered members of the Orthodontic Society of Ireland. It investigated demographics, pattern of use, reasons for use and techniques for placement of BMTs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 74% response rate was obtained. In more than 80% of cases, BMTs were used on first and second permanent molars by 52% and 33% of orthodontists respectively. BMT usage was adopted by 97% of respondents in the previous decade. Direct bonding was used by all for BMT placement. Etch times for molars, compared to other teeth, increased from 15 to 30 seconds by 51% of orthodontists. Of the respondents, 97% used light-cured adhesives and 17% used self-etching primers. Molar tube holders were preferred by 54% for placement. Only with a history of epilepsy, were bands preferred to BMTs. BMTs were regarded as more cost-effective than molar bands by 66% of responding clinicians.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Specialist orthodontists preferred BMTs to bands on first permenent molars. Direct bonding was favoured using a 30-second etch, a light-cured primer and adhesive with specialized molar tube holders. BMTs were perceived to be more cost-effective than molar bands.
authors: Cork University Dental School and Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
authors: Paula G
authors: PG
authors: Murray
authors: Declan T
authors: DT
authors: Millett
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Cronin
mesh_terms: D000134:Acid Etching, Dental / Q000379:methods; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D001840:Dental Bonding / Q000379:methods; D003738:Dental Cements / Q000145:classification; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D055115:Light-Curing of Dental Adhesives; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009970:Orthodontics; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000737:chemistry; D055116:Self-Curing of Dental Resins; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins; D003738:Dental Cements; D019279:Resin Cements; C429625:Transbond Plus Self-Etching Primer; C516047:Transbond XT Light Cure Adhesive Primer