Clinical performance of uncoated and precoated polymer mesh base ceramic brackets

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical performance of the two types of InVu ceramic brackets. The clinical performance of these brackets was measured by determining failure as well as survival rates and tie-wing fractures. Enamel surface evaluation following bracket and remnant removal was performed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty non-extraction patients (31 females, 9 males) with a mean chronological age of 16 years 4 months composed this study. Bonding was performed with a split-mouth design using operator-coated and Readi-Base eXact InVu brackets. During the treatment period (45.89 ± 2.0 weeks), the failed brackets were recorded as well as the brackets with tie-wing fractures. Debracketing was undertaken with a ligature cutter (delamination technique) as recommended by the manufacturer. A modified remnant index (MRI) was used to visually evaluate the amount of remnants remaining on the tooth surface. Horizontal crack evaluation was carried out via transillumination. RESULTS: Operator-coated InVu brackets demonstrated a bond failure rate of 2.6%. This value was 6.8% for the Readi-Base eXact InVu brackets. Failure rates as well as survival rates presented a statistically significant difference (P = 0.006). A higher bond failure for the premolar teeth when compared to incisor teeth, as well as a higher bond failure in the lower arch when compared to the upper arch was found. These findings were statistically significant (P = 0.000 and P = 0.007, respectively). The effect of gender on bond failure rate (P = 0.508) and survival rate (P = 0.503) was not statistically significant. Both bracket types showed comparable results for tie-wing fractures (P = 0.174). A statistically significant difference was obtained for the MRI scores (P = 0.000). No horizontal enamel cracks were observed for both bracket types. CONCLUSION: The operator-coated InVu brackets demonstrated a lower failure rate when compared to the Readi-Base eXact pre-applied adhesive InVu brackets. The debonding procedure was safe for both bracket types.