A 12-month clinical evaluation of a glass polyalkenoate cement for the direct bonding of orthodontic brackets

Abstract

Glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) cements have the unique properties to physicochemically bond to enamel and base metals, and to leach fluoride over prolonged periods. These cements are hybrids of silicate and polycarboxylate cements and, like the silicate cements, retain a cariostatic action on adjacent enamel. This article reports on a 12-month clinical trial of a glass ionomer cement for the direct bonding of orthodontic brackets compared with a standard composite bonding adhesive. This study shows a significant difference in failure rates of direct-bonded orthodontic brackets cemented with a thick mix of Fuji I glass polyalkenoate cement (20%) compared with System I+ composite bonding resin (5%).