Effects of Fluorosis and Self Etching Primers on Shear Bond Strengths of Orthodontic Brackets

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects fluorosis and self etching primers (SEP) on shear bond strengths (SBS) of orthodontic brackets. METHODS: A total of 48 (24 fluorosed and 24 non-fluorosed) non-carious freshly extracted human permanent premolar teeth were used in this study. Fluorosed teeth were selected according to the modified Thylstrup and Fejerskov index (TFI), which is based on the clinical changes in fluorosed teeth. Fluorosed and non-fluorosed teeth were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 12 each. In groups I (non-fluorosed teeth) and II (fluorosed teeth), standard etching protocol was used and brackets were bonded with Light Bond. In groups III (non-fluorosed teeth) and IV (fluorosed teeth), Transbond Plus SEP was used and brackets were bonded with Transbond XT Light Cure Adhesive. All specimens were cured with a halogen light. After bonding, SBS of the brackets were tested with Universal testing machine. After debonding, all teeth and brackets in the test groups were examined under 10x magnifications. Any adhesive remained after debonding was assessed and scored according to the modified Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI). RESULTS: ANOVA indicated a significant difference between groups (P<.001). SBS in group II (Light Bond+Fluorosis) were significantly lower than other groups. ARI scores of the groups were also significantly different (P<.001). There was a greater frequency of ARI scores of 1,2 and 3 in group II (Light Bond+Fluorosis). CONCLUSIONS: When standard etching protocol was used enamel fluorosis significantly decreased the bond strength of orthodontic brackets. Satisfactory bond strengths were obtained when SEP was used for bonding brackets to the fluorosed teeth.