With improvements in bonding techniques, bracket base design and bond strengths, molar tubes are becoming more popular in orthodontics.1,2 Molar tubes make an attractive alternative to conventional banding due to a reduction in clinical bonding time and ease of placement on partially erupted teeth. The use of molar tubes negates the need for orthodontic separation and subsequent cementation of bands, and offers improved periodontal health.3 Their use on terminal molars, however, should be limited to non-orthognathic cases. This paper presents two cases of peri-operative second molar tube failure during orthognathic surgery. They are presented in the hope that it will highlight the importance of banding the distal terminal molar in orthognathic cases to prevent loss of molar tubes and peri-operative contamination of the surgical wound site.

This is a report on the use of a regional database of patients undergoing orthognathic treatment in the South West of England. The benefits and difficulties of using a regional database are discussed.

(1995). A Comparative Evaluation of Class 11 Treatment Strategies—Lysle Johnston at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. British Journal of Orthodontics: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 96-97.