The Effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on shear bond strength of orthodontic lingual brackets to CAD/CAM ceramic systems

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the bond strength of lingual brackets bonded to resin-matrix and lithium disilicate based-ceramic crowns following various surface treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty ceramic crowns (IPS Emax and Cerasmart) were fabricated by CAD/CAM. Er,Cr:YSGG laser, sandblasting with aluminium oxide and hydrofluoric acid treatment effects on ceramics was tested (n=10/group). A light-cure orthodontic adhesive was used to bond lingual brackets to the ceramic surfaces. Bond strengths of the brackets to ceramics were assessed by shear bond test. The remnant adhesive on bracket and ceramic surfaces was inspected with a light microscope and adhesive remnant index scores were recorded. The data were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Mann–Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Cerasmart ceramic specimens showed lower shear bond strength values than IPS Emax ceramic specimens (p<0.05). The statistical analysis of the surface treatment groups regarding bond strength were ranked as follows: Laser ≤ Hydrofluoric acid ≤ Sandblasting (p=0.058). While laser-treated Cerasmart ceramic group displayed the lowest SBS (9.39 MPa), hydrofluoric acid-treated IPS Emax group had the highest (16.8 MPa) bond strength value. CONCLUSION: The use of Er,Cr:YSGG lasers for etching of CAD-CAM ceramics could be a promising alternative to “conventional techniques”, to improve bond strength of lingual brackets to IPS Emax and Cerasmart ceramics.