Abstract

Introduction: Bracket bonding to porcelain has high failure rate compared to bonding to enamel. Aim: This study aimed to assess the shear bond strength (SBS) of metal brackets to porcelain using a universal adhesive. Material and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 40 porcelain blocks (1x1x1 cm3)were divided into four groups (n=10). The porcelain surfaces were etched with 10% hydrofluoric (HF) acid and bonded to metal brackets using Transbond XT composite and the following bonding protocols: Transbond XT bonding agent alone in group 1, silane plus Transbond XT bonding agent in group 2, silane plus universal adhesive (G-Premio bond) in group 3 and universal adhesive alone in group 4. The SBS was measured using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. Fracture surfaces were evaluated under a stereo microscope, and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were determined. Results: The highest and the lowest SBS values were noted in groups 3 (17.06±2.58 MPa) and 4 (9.85±4.76 MPa), respectively. Type of adhesive had no significant effect on SBS (P=0.611). However, the effect of application of silane on SBS was significant (P=0.000). Groups subjected to the application of silane showed higher SBS values than others. The mode of failure was mainly adhesive in groups 2 and 3, and adhesive and mixed in groups 1 and 4. The difference in ARI scores was statistically significant (P=0.016). Conclusion: Universal adhesive and Transbond XT were not significantly different in SBS. However, application of silane significantly increased the bond strength.

Key words: Orthodontic brackets, Dental porcelain, Shear strength.