Effect of different surface treatment on the shear bond strength of metal brackets to bleached and desensitized enamel.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of bleaching and desensitizing on shear bond strength (SBS) of metal brackets to enamel.

METHODS

One hundred extracted human premolar were randomly assigned to 5 groups of 20. In the first group (control), no bleaching or desensitizing agent was used. Groups 2 to 5 were bleached with 37.5% hydrogen peroxide and desensitized with 6.0% potassium nitrate. Surface treatment comprised of etching for 15seconds in groups 1, 2 and 3, Er:yag laser irradiation and etching in group 4 and sandblasting and etching in group 5. Premolar brackets were bonded with Transbond XT and cured for 20seconds and the SBS was tested using a universal testing machine. Adhesive remnant index (ARI) score was used to record the mode of bond failure.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the mean SBS (MPa) in groups 1(15.22), 4(14.02), and 5(12.62). SBS in group 4 was significantly higher than group 2 (8.15) (P<0.001). Also, SBS in groups 2 (P<0.001) and 3(11.74) (P=0.012) were significantly lower than group 1. An increased frequency of ARI score of 2 and 3 was observed in groups 1, 4 and 5.

CONCLUSIONS

Bleaching plus desensitizing significantly decreased the SBS of orthodontic brackets. Delaying the bonding procedure for at least 2 weeks or alternative surface treatment methods such as combined laser and acid etching or combined sand blasting and acid etching can improve the SBS.