Renewing Orthodontic Bonds: Comparison of Shear Bond Strength of Metallic Orthodontic Brackets after Recycling the Brackets and Enamel Clean-Up Using Different Methods

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate and compare the shear bond strength of metallic orthodontic brackets after recycling of the brackets and cleaning the post de-bonded enamel surface, using different methods.

Materials and methods: In this research 54 non-carious premolar teeth were selected and divided into two groups, A and B (27 each). All the teeth were bonded with metallic brackets. Shear bond strength of these teeth was measured by Universal Testing Machine. Debonded teeth in group A were cleaned with Carbide bur and Soflex polishing discs while teeth in group B were cleaned with Ultrasonic scaling and Sandblasting. Bracket bases in both the groups were recycled with Buchman method. The recycled brackets were rebonded to the teeth and Shear bond strength was measured again with Universal Testing Machine.

Results: Following recycling, there was a discernible drop in shear bond strength (SBS) for both Group A and Group B. Teeth cleaned with carbide bur and soflex polishing discs showed better results.

Conclusion: Recycling the tooth surface using a carbide bur and soflex polishing disc led to significant increase in shear bond strength (SBS) compared to cleaning the surface with ultrasonic scaling and sandblasting.