Bond strength of orthodontic direct-bonding cement-bracket systems as studied in vitro.

Tensile bond strength and failure location were evaluated in vitro for three types of direct bonding cements (unfilled, low filled, and highly filled) with three types of brackets (polycarbonate, stainless steel, and ceramic) using natural teeth and plastic as substrates. An unfilled acrylic cement gave the highest values of bond strength for both the plastic and ceramic brackets, whereas a highly-filled diacrylate cement gave the highest bond strength for the metal brackets. Bond failures occurred at the bracket-cement interface with the stainless steel brackets with each cement, whereas failure locations occurred at the bracket-cement interface, within the cement, and within the bracket for the plastic and ceramic brackets. There were no significant differences in bond strength nor failure location between tooth and plastic substrates.