Comparative Evaluation of Two Bracket Systems' Bond Strength: Conventional and Self-Ligating

A difference in application time between two direct orthodontic bonding methods: A prospective randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

This clinical study aimed to evaluate the difference in the time of application phase, employing the conventional and modified direct orthodontic bonding method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty patients who needed orthodontic therapy with fixed appliances were randomly divided into two equal groups (n = 15): the control and experimental group, according to the bonding method applied. A total of 600 metal brackets inch slot 0.022 (Mini Sprint®, Forestadent, Germany) were bonded to incisors, canines, and premolars using the light-cured adhesive Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA). The failure rates of the brackets were evaluated within 12 months. The independent samples t-test was applied. The Chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The initial bonding time using the modified method was significantly shorter (3.27 min or 17.1% per patient) compared with the conventional bonding method (p < 0.001). Number of failed brackets between the two methods did not differ significantly (p = 0.226).

CONCLUSION

The time of the application phase in initial bonding using the modified method (experimental group) was shorter than in control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of bond failures between the two methods.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The modified application phase of direct orthodontic bracket placement shortens the total bonding time and facilitates the manual work of orthodontists.

New generation of orthodontic devices and materials with bioactive capacities to improve enamel demineralization

OBJECTIVE

The article reviewed novel orthodontic devices and materials with bioactive capacities in recent years and elaborated on their properties, aiming to provide guidance and reference for future scientific research and clinical applications.

DATA, SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION

Researches on remineralization, protein repellent, antimicrobial activity and multifunctional novel bioactive orthodontic devices and materials were included. The search of articles was carried out in Web of Science, PubMed, Medline and Scopus.

CONCLUSIONS

The new generation of orthodontic devices and materials with bioactive capacities has broad application prospects. However, most of the current studies are limited to in vitro studies and cannot explore the true effects of various bioactive devices and materials applied in oral environments. More research, especially in vivo researches, is needed to assist in clinical application.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Enamel demineralization (ED) is a common complication in orthodontic treatments. Prolonged ED can lead to dental caries, impacting both the aesthetics and health of teeth. It is of great significance to develop antibacterial orthodontic devices and materials that can inhibit bacterial accumulation and prevent ED. However, materials with only preventive effect may fall short of addressing actual needs. Hence, the development of novel bioactive orthodontic materials with remineralizing abilities is imperative. The article reviewed the recent advancements in bioactive orthodontic devices and materials, offering guidance and serving as a reference for future scientific research and clinical applications.

Effect of Remineralizing Agents on Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets-In Vitro Study

Orthodontic treatment can be effective only with the proper adhesion strength of the bonded elements on the teeth. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of different remineralization products on the brackets (Evolve Low Profile Brackets 0.022 Roth prescription (DB Orthodontics Ltd., Silsden, England) shear bond strength (SBS)). In all, 40 teeth were investigated for this study; n = 30 demineralized (immersed in 0.1% citric acid for 30 min, twice a day, for 20 consecutive days) and n = 10 immersed only in artificial saliva. After the demineralization process, remineralization agents were applied to each group (n = 10): Group I: Elmex Sensitive professional^® toothpaste (CP, Gaba GmbH, Witten, Germany) and GC MI Paste Plus^® (GC, Leuven, Belgium), Group II: Elmex Sensitive professional^® toothpaste (CP, Gaba GmbH, Germany) and GC Tooth Mousse^® (Leuven, Belgium), Group III: Elmex Sensitive professional^® toothpaste (CP, Gaba GmbH, Germany). For the teeth in control group C, Elmex Sensitive professional^® toothpaste was used. SBS tests were performed by means of an advanced materials-testing machine that generated maximum load and tensile strength values. The data obtained underwent statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tuckey test) with a statistical threshold of p < 0.05. The SBS values were higher for group II (14.20 MPa) and I (10.36 MPa) and lower for group III (4.25 MPa) and C (4.11 MPa), with statistically significant differences between groups I and II when compared with groups III and C (p < 0.05). In conclusion, GC Tooth Mousse^® and MI-Paste Plus^® have no adverse effect on brackets SBS and are recommended to be used for enamel remineralization during orthodontic treatment.