Easy and Accurate Welding of Attachments to Bands

We have all experienced the problem of trying to weld an orthodontic attachment in a precise location on a band, only to have it move or fall off before the welding is finished. There is an easy way to eliminate this frustration.

Simply take a small piece of the beading wax that is used for lining the rims of impression trays, or of the relief wax given to patients for soft-tissue irritations, and place it on the band in the area where the buccal or lingual attachment is to be welded (Fig. A). (The piece of wax pictured was made larger than necessary for better view­ing.)

Place the attachment in the desired position (Fig. B). The wax will hold the attachment in place for welding, but will melt and burn off in the heat (Fig. C), leaving no wax residue.

This has proven to be a fast, simple, and accurate welding pro­cedure in my office.