Evaluation of Tensile Bond Strength, Fluoride Release, Hardness, and Solubility of a Fluoride Containing Adhesive Resin

Abstract

Direct bonding of orthodontic brackets often results in decalcification of tooth structure surrounding bracket sites. Glass ionomer cements, while typically leaching fluoride over time, often exhibit a significantly lower bond strength. Fluoride-containing resins generally release high concentrations of fluoride for a short time, then cease to release any significant amount. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tensile bond strength, fluoride release, hardness, solubility, and sorption of a newly formulated fluoride containing resin. The experimental resins were prepared with 5% and 7.5% fluoride (F-) monomer, and were compared to a fluoride-free control adhesive (Rely-a-Bond Phase II™, Reliance Orthodontics Inc ., Itasca, Ill .). To evaluate tensile bond strength, orthodontic brackets were bonded to bovine teeth and debonded using an lnstron machine. Fluoride release was tested using resin disks stored in deionized water. The fluoride content of the water was determined with an ion-specific electrode. Hardness, solubility, and sorption were tested using disks made of each material. Comparison of experimental and control resins by ANOVA followed by General Linear Models multiple comparisons revealed the control to show a statistically significant difference (p<.0001) for tensile bond strength. Experimental Control 5%F- 7.5%F- Peak Stress (MPa) 4.48±0.65 3.83±0.76 5.31±0.97. Fluoride continued to be released from the experimental resins (5% and 7.5% F-) at 18 days. The control was significantly harder than either of the experimental resins at 1 hour, 24 hours, 1 week, and 1 month (p<.0001). The 5% F- resin exhibited slight solubility (0.10 percent), while the 7.5%F- resin and the control exhibited very little solubility (0.01 percent). Phase II™ exhibited significantly lower sorption at 21 days (0.60 percent, p<.001) than either the 5%F- resin (1.69 percent) or the 7.5%F- resin (1.63 percent). These results indicate that while the experimental resin had lower bond strength, lower hardness, and higher sorption than the control, measurable fluoride was released from the experimental resins for up to 18 days. Further testing is indicated to determine the clinical acceptability of this adhesive.