Does the use of universal adhesive systems improve the durability of the bond strength of orthodontic brackets to enamel?

Background: Universal adhesive systems used for restorative clinical procedures are like orthodontics and may be a viable option. This study evaluated the effectiveness of universal adhesive systems in enhancing the durability of the shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of orthodontic brackets to enamel.

Material And Methods: 100 bovine incisors were divided into five groups (n=20), according to the applied adhesive systems: Primer Transbond XT; Ambar; Ambar Universal; Single Bond Universal; Adper Single Bond 2. Bracket from each tooth were submitted to SBS test after 24 hours, and 12 months later. The amount of remaining adhesive was evaluated through ARI.

Results: After 24 hours, there was no difference in BS between the control and the other groups (p>0.05). However, there were difference between TOTALETCHING1 group and the Ambar Universal (=0.015) and Single Bond Universal groups (=0.011). After 12 months, Primer Transbond XT, Ambar, Ambar Universal and Adper Single Bond 2 showed no differences in the SBS (>0.05). Nonetheless, Single Bond Universal presented superior result when compared to Primer Transbond XT (=0.046) and Ambar (=0.011) groups. The SBS of all groups reduced significantly after 12 months (<0.05). There was no difference between ARI scores in each individually assessed group (>0.05), for both periods. Following 24 hours, a difference was observed between the groups (=0.043), fact that didn't occur after 12 months (=0.109).

Conclusions: Adhesive systems, such as Ambar Universal and Single Bond Universal are efficient in bonding orthodontic brackets to enamel when associated with Transbond XT adhesive paste. Bond strength; Primer Transbond XT, orthodontic brackets, adhesive systems.