Enamel cracks and ceramic bracket failure during debonding in vitro.

Objective: To test the null hypothesis that no difference in bracket failure characteristics is noted when use of a new ceramic bracket debonding instrument is compared with the use of conventional pliers.

Materials And Methods: Thirty maxillary premolars were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In group 1, Clarity collapsible ceramic brackets (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) were debonded with the use of conventional Utility/Weingart (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) pliers.

Influence of self-etchant application time on bracket shear bond strength.

Objective: To determine the influence of self-etching primer (SEP) application time on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

Materials And Methods: Forty human molars were cleaned, mounted, and randomly divided into two groups. The same SEP, adhesive, and brackets were used in both groups.