Date of Award
Spring 2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Bradley, Thomas G.
Second Advisor
Bosio, Jose A.
Third Advisor
Liu, Dawei
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the shear bond strengths (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded with self-etching primer using different enamel surface preparations.
A 2-by-2 factorial study design was used. Sixty human premolars were harvested, cleaned and randomly assigned to four groups (n=15/group). Teeth were bathed in saliva for 48 hours to form a pellicle. Treatments were assigned as follows: Group 1 was pumiced for 10 seconds and pre-etched for five seconds with 37% phosphoric acid before bonding with self-etching primer (Transbond Plus). Group 2 was pumiced for ten seconds before bonding. Group 3 was pre-etched for five seconds before bonding. Group 4 had no mechanical or chemical preparation before bonding. All teeth were stored in distilled water for 24 hours at 37oC before debonding. The SBS values and Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) score were recorded. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the enamel changes at each stage of surface preparation and bonding.
The SBS values (±1 SD) for Groups 1-4 were 22.9±6.1, 16.1±7.3, 36.2 ±8.2, and 13.1±10.1 MPa, respectively. Two-way ANOVA and subsequent contrasts showed statistically significant differences among treatment groups. ARI scores indicated the majority of adhesive remained on the bracket for all 4 groups. SEM micrographs showed variable enamel surface roughness depending upon preparation.
In conclusion, pre-etching the bonding surface for five seconds with 37% phosphoric acid, instead of pumicing, when using self-etching primers to bond orthodontic brackets, results in greater shear bond strengths.