Effects of different pre-treatment methods on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets to demineralized enamel

Objective. To compare the effects of different treatment methods used for the enamel damage, on the shear bond strength (SBS) and fracture mode of orthodontic brackets. Materials and methods. Freshly-extracted 140 premolars were randomly allocated to seven groups: Group I was considered as the control of other groups. The remaining groups were exposed to demineralization. In group II, brackets were directly bonded to the demineralized enamel surface. CPP-ACP paste (GC Tooth Mousse), fluoride varnish (Bifluorid 12), microabrasion with a mixture prepared with 18% hydrochloric acid and fine pumice powder, microabrasion with an agent (Opalustre) and resin infiltrant (Icon®) were applied in Groups III, IV, V, VI and VII, respectively. The specimens were tested for SBS and bond failures were scored according to the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI). Analysis of variance and Tukey tests were used to compare the SBS of the groups. ARI scores were compared with G-test. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 level. Results. Statistically significant differences were found among seven groups (F = 191.697; p < 0.001). The SBSs of groups I (mean = 18.8 ± 2.0 MPa) and VII (mean = 19.1 ± 1.4 MPa) were significantly higher than the other groups. No statistically significant difference was found between groups IV (mean = 11.5 ± 1.2 MPa) and V (mean = 12.6 ± 1.5 MPa). The differences in ARI scores of the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.01). Conclusions. All demineralization treatment methods improve bonding to demineralized enamel. Resin infiltrant application after demineralization showed similar bond strength values as intact enamel.