Comparison of Success Rates between Cemented Molar Bands and Bondable Molar Tubes in Adult Patients Undergoing Fixed Appliances Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: One of the factor that affects drastically the the treatment outcome is stability of orthodontic attachments. One area of concern over the period of years has been molar banding vs molar bonding. Traditional molar bands provided superior stability and resistance to debonding while they are questioned for oral hygiene concerns and for their use in high risk patients. Molar bonding on the other hand has an additional limitation of difficulty at bonding especially in patients with limited mouth opening or excessive salivation. Aim of this study is to compare the success rates of cemented molar bands and bondable molar tubes in adult orthodontic patients keeping the operator experience and malocclusion type in consideration.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Saidu College of Dentistry on a sample of 280 orthodontic patients (age: 15-30 years) selected through convenience sampling between 2024 September and 2025 February.Participants were treated with fixed edgewise appliances. Molar bands were cemented using glass ionomer cement, while molar tubes were bonded using light-cured adhesive. Attachment failures were evaluated at immediate loading, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24; chi-square tests assessed associations with failure timing, malocclusion, and education level of the clinician.

Results: Attachment stability was observed in 75% of cases. Molar tubes had slightly higher early failures, while molar bands showed more late failures. Differences between the two were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Malocclusion type and clinician education level also showed no significant association with attachment failure.

Conclusions: Both molar bands and tubes are effective attachment methods. Case selection should consider patient comfort, hygiene, and treatment complexity.