3M™ Multi Cure™ , Band Cement, light + chemical cure, POWDER
-34%
Bottle: 35g, measuring spoon
Band Adhesives
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of a band adhesive?
The purpose of a band adhesive is to act as a “grout” to fill the irregularities between the band and the tooth surface.
2. Why is Unitek™ Multi-Cure Glass Ionomer band cement stronger than Transbond™ Plus Light Cure band
adhesive?
Unitek™ Multi-Cure band cement is stronger because it provides both chemical and mechanical adhesion to both
the band and enamel surface of the tooth.
3. Under which conditions would I need the extra strength of Unitek™ Multi-Cure GI band cement?
In some offices the extra adhesion offered by a glass ionomer is a welcome advantage where bands fit
poorly, where there are isolation issues and in situations where forces greater than those normally exerted from
headgear and rapid palatal expanders are expected. The trade-off is increased mixing time, increased clean-up
time and increased difficulty when removing the cement from the teeth.
4. Under which conditions would I want to use Transbond Plus light cure band adhesive?
In offices where band fit, moisture control and loose bands are not an issue. In these offices, Transbond™ Plus
band adhesive is the best choice for ease-of-use and ease of clean-up.
5. What is the effect of moisture on Unitek Multi-Cure band cement & Transbond Plus light cure band adhesive?
Hybrid glass ionomers, like Unitek Multi-Cure band cement, work best on a moist surface; however, glass ionomers do
not tolerate additional water/saliva introduced during the curing process. Compomers, like Transbond Plus band
adhesive, are not as tolerant of moisture as glass ionomers.
An effort should be made to keep the tooth dry when using Transbond Plus band adhesive.
6. Will decreasing the time I light cure Transbond Plus band adhesive affect band retention?
Yes, Transbond Plus band adhesive must be cured for the full 30 seconds since there is not a chemical cure
component to this adhesive. Archwires may be placed immediately after curing.
7. Will decreasing the time I light cure Unitek Multi-Cure GI band cement affect band retention?
No, since the Unitek Multi-Cure band cement also cures chemically, band strength will not be affected if archwires
are not placed for 5 minutes. Five minutes is the minimum time needed for the adhesive to fully set-up chemically. If
the Unitek Multi-Cure band cement is light cured for the full 40 seconds, archwires can be placed immediately.
8. Should I consider using both Transbond Plus light cure band adhesive and Unitek Multi-Cure band cement in
my orthodontic practice?
Each product provides unique advantages to different banding situations. In some circumstances, one may be
more suitable than the other, making both valuable tools in the orthodontic practice.
