| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0186 |
| Type | component |
| Category | component |
| Fixed/removable | fixed (cemented) |
| Primary function | attach tubes and appliance components to posterior teeth with high-force resistance |
| Uses TADs | no |
An orthodontic band is a thin stainless steel ring that encircles the crown of a posterior tooth and is cemented with glass ionomer or zinc phosphate cement. Bands are more retentive than bonded brackets under heavy forces and are therefore used for anchorage units (first molars for Herbst, expanders, headgear, lingual arches) and whenever an appliance requires a robust attachment that a bonded bracket cannot reliably provide. Bands require separators placed 1–2 weeks prior to create interproximal space for seating.
Bands are selected by try-in (sized to each molar individually) and cemented at the banding appointment. Attachments (buccal tubes, headgear tubes, lingual hooks, auxiliary slots) are welded to the band by the lab or pre-formed by the manufacturer. The band encircles the entire crown, distributing forces across the whole tooth perimeter.
For standard orthodontic bands with pre-welded tubes, the clinician selects the band size chairside. For bands used in custom appliances (Herbst, expander, lingual arch), the lab bands the model to size and builds the appliance. Plain band plain bands and Band with attachments bands with attachments are related entries.
Appliances that incorporate this component. ★ = fabricated by Clear Fusion Lab.
Rapid palatal expander (Hyrax / Leone)
appliance
arch (TPA)
holding arch
appliance
Fixed space maintainer
attachments; used when attachments are welded or bonded separately
band with buccal tube welded; most common configuration
engagement
for headgear/auxiliary)
dentition; different size series than permanent bands
Orthodontics](https://www.americanortho.com/product-category/bands/)
Orthodontist](https://meridian.allenpress.com/angle-orthodontist)