Date of Award
Summer 2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Berzins, David
Second Advisor
Ostertag, Alan
Third Advisor
Liu, Dawei
Abstract
Introduction: Sealants are used in orthodontics to help prevent demineralization during treatment. The objective of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the shear bond strength (SBS) between two different resin sealants bonded to teeth. Materials and Methods: Extracted human premolars (n=20/group) were randomly divided and prepared by acid etching, followed by application of primer or sealant. Group 1, the control group, used Transbond XT Primer (3M Unitek). Groups 2 and 3 were prepared with the sealants L.E.D. Pro Seal (Reliance Orthodontic Products) and Opal Seal (Opal Orthodontics) respectively. Transbond XT Adhesive was applied to a stainless steel bracket and bonded to each tooth. Each group was stored in distilled water at 37oC for 48 hours prior to debonding. Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured via a universal testing machine, and the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was scored. Results: The SBS (MPa) of the groups were as follows: Group 1 (Transbond): 20.1 ± 6.0; Group 2 (Pro Seal): 16.5 ± 4.8; and Group 3 (Opal Seal): 15.7 ± 3.9. The SBS with Transbond XT Primer was significantly greater than Opal Seal (P < 0.05/ANOVA-Tukey), while Pro Seal and Opal Seal sealants were not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). The Opal Seal group had significantly greater ARI scores, indicating more adhesive remained on the teeth after debonding. Conclusion: Opal Seal and Pro Seal sealants have similar SBS but generally exhibit lower bond strengths compared to the use of an adhesive primer.