Effects of air-powder polishing on the bond strength of orthodontic bracket adhesive systems

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro investigation was to evaluate the effects of air-powder polishing on the shear bond strength of two adhesive systems used for direct orthodontic bracket bonding.

Methods: Ninety-six third molar teeth were randomly assigned to be bonded with metal brackets using either a no-mix (System 1+) or a two-paste (Concise) orthodontic adhesive resin. Twelve samples in each test group were air-powder polished for either 0, 15, 30, or 60 seconds. The shear bond strength was determined for each bracket using the Instron. Scanning electron microscopy determined bond fracture patterns of tested samples.

Results: Mean shear bond strength values from baseline to 60 seconds varied from 22.9+/-1.9 megapascal units (MPa) to 18.2+/-4.1 MPa for Concise and from 15.5+/-2.1 MPa to 14.6+/-1.9 MPa for System 1+. A two-factor analysis of variance showed air-powder polishing significantly affected the mean shear bond strength of one adhesive. Results showed a significant decrease (p < or = .05) in the mean shear bond strength of the Concise adhesive at 60 seconds of air-powder polishing when compared to the 0-, 15-, and 30-second treatments. No significant within group time effect of air-powder polishing was found for System 1+. Differences in the fracture pattern of the Concise 60-second air-powder polishing group may account for the decrease in mean bond strength seen after treatment.

Conclusion: Although in vitro results showed decreased bond strength for Concise, these values were well above the minimum values needed for successful bonding. Therefore, use of air-powder polishing on orthodontic bracket adhesive systems does not appear to be contraindicated.