A 12-month clinical evaluation of a light-activated glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) cement for the direct bonding of orthodontic brackets

Abstract

Glass polyalkenoate cements have the unique properties of physicochemically bonding to enamel and base metals and to leach fluoride over prolonged periods. These cements have been modified to provide a dual setting with both light activation and chemical cure to produce a more rapid set. This article reports a 12-month clinical trial of a light-activated glass polyalkenoate cement for the direct bonding of orthodontic brackets, compared with a standard composite bonding adhesive. There was no significant difference in failure rates of direct bonded orthodontic brackets cemented with Fuji II LC light-activated glass polyalkenoate cement (GC Industrial Co., Tokyo, Japan) (3.3%) compared with System I+ composite bonding resin (Ormco Corp., Glendora, Calif.) (1.6%).