OYSTER™ FAQ
Some doctors have said that Oyster brackets came off from patients' teeth. They used plastic primer before using adhesive. Why do this happen?
Today we have no more problems with brackets coming off teeth. The reason for bondfailure is probably due to that the plastic-primer has not evaporated – dried up - completely before applying the adhesive. – IMPORTANT!
Will the cap/door or the hinge become loose or broken after we have opened and closed it several times?
No; the new Oyster 2.0 has a stainless steel hinge on all brackets that eliminates breakages.
What can I do to prevent the breakage of Oyster caps?
When it comes to the Oyster caps we always recommend the doctors to use as much Bite Bumpers as possible. Or other ways to avoid that kind of tough occlusal contact.
Will Oyster become discolored and stained?
No. However, discoloration can appear if the patient does not rinse after food as staining products can get trapped under the cap. We recommend the use of a Water Pik or similar irrigation appliance.
Will the slot be worn out by long use?
No, as the friction is very low. I think it is important for the doctors to realize that a composite bracket is not as strong as a steel bracket. They need to think: “do I want to treat my patients in a biologically and aesthetically manner?” Then you need to understand that brackets might have to be replaced a bit more often than for the steel ones. I think it is important to tell everyone the truth about all kinds of composite braces. They work in a magnificent way if you handle them with care.
How to close spaces and what devices should I use?
You can close spaces the same way as you do with your present technique.
Ormco's Damon 3 brackets have a lot of problems, and therefore many dentists do not trust composite brackets. Do you have any ideas how to make the dentists believe that Oyster and Blonde are very good brackets?
With our brackets, biology and aesthetics works hand in hand. However, in order to be successful one has to understand the minor changes in treatment-mechanics that needs to be done compared to steel attachments.
Is there any way to prevent damage on the surface of false teeth when we remove (debond) the brackets?
You debond the Oyster bracket the same way as you debond any bracket. If you use SmartBond LC it is even easier to clean up after debonding.
Is there any case that is unsuitable for Oyster brackets?
I would not recommend this high-tech bracket to a patient who does not understand the importance of very good oral hygiene.
Is there any more aesthetic way to close spaces than chains?
As elastic chains are known to be very colour sensible we try to avoid them as much as possible. We normally put a crimpable hook on the archwire and use tie-backs on toothcolored steel ligatures or preferably coil-springs.
Can we use other wires on the brackets, for example, wires of different material and different sizes?
Yes. As long as you think about how much force you put on the brackets it is no problem.
Does the surface of the tooth-color wire easily fall of
Normally it last for 10-12 weeks. In most cases it is time to change archwire at that time.
Is the wire strong enough to be bent and wear-resistant when we use a retainer?
If you bend a toothcolored steel wire you have to be very careful when you apply the force. If you need to bend it 90 degrees you will get a small breakage in the surface layer. To my opinion the patient normally has accepted the appliance when you have reached the steel wires and are not disappointed because of a small grey spot.
How do you prevent the archwire from sliding out of the Oyster brackets?
In most cases I would put crimpable stops on the archwire. Preferably between the bicuspids where you have the shortest distance.