An Evaluation of the Bond Strength and Failure Site of Composite Resin and Glass Ionomer in Identical Orthodontic Direct Bonding Systems

Abstract

Glass ionomers offer several advantages for orthodontic cementation of brackets including no etching of enamel, fluoride release, and ease of debonding. This study compared in vitro bond strengths of glass ionomers with a composite resin. Two luting glass ionomers, (Ketaccem and Fuji I), two restorative ionomers, (Ketac-fil and Fuji II), and an orthobonding resin, (System 1 +), were used. Extracted human maxillary premolars were selected for a sample of 22 per cement. The teeth were pumiced prior to bonding. Ormco minimesh bicuspid brackets were bonded following manufacturer's directions. Only the teeth bonded with resin cement were etched. After bonding the teeth were stored in water at 37 C for 7 days and thermocycled 2500 times through a 40° c differential. Tensile bond strengths were measured at a crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min. Debonded specimens were examined to record failure modes. System 1+ had a bond strength of 103 +/- 21 kg/cm2 with 80% cohesive failure in the cement. Ketac-fil, Ketaccem and Fuji II were not significantly different and had strengths of 32.6 +/- 6.4, 31.9 +/- 7.1 and 33.7 +/- 8.5 respectively. Failure was 93% cohesive in the cements. Fuji I had a strength of 26. 6 +/- 4. 7 with 89% cohesive failure and was significantly weaker than the others. Although the strengths of the glass ionomers studied were substantially lower than the resin, they failed consistently in cohesive fracture through the cement with relatively small deviations. Since the minimum bond strength required for clinical success is not known, only a controlled clinical study can determine the ultimate effectiveness of glass ionomers as orthodontic bonding adhesives.