Comparative evaluation of bracket bond failure rates of a novel non-primer adhesive with a conventional primer-based orthodontic adhesive – a pilot study

BACKGROUND. Bonding is an important step in fixed orthodontic therapy and evaluation of bracket bond failures while using different bonding systems is required. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare bracket failure rates of a novel no primer adhesive with conventional primer-based orthodontic adhesives. METHODS. This split mouth study was conducted among fifteen patients who underwent therapy with fixed orthodontic appliances using metal brackets. Total of 300 brackets were bonded and the bracket bond failure rates were assessed at the end of 3 months. The difference in bond failure rates between the two groups were assessed in different teeth. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test was performed. RESULTS. Evaluation of bracket bond failure rates showed a higher incidence of bond failures in the group bonded with the primerless adhesive (6.3%) compared to conventional adhesive (2.3%) but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). No intergroup difference was found in the bracket failure rates of individual teeth (P>0.05). CONCLUSION. Higher incidence of bond failures were noted with brackets bonded with primerless adhesive when compared to primer-based adhesive but no significant difference was noted over a period of 3 months. Mandibular canine and premolars had a higher bracket failure rate with no significant difference between the adhesives.