Do Products Preventing Demineralization Around Orthodontic Brackets Affect Adhesive Bond Strength?

This study investigated the effects, on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets, of using an antimicrobial selenium-containing sealant (DenteShield^TM) to serve dual functions of priming enamel prior to bonding and as a protective barrier against whitespot lesion formation.

A total of 150 extracted human premolars were randomly assigned into 10 groups (n=15/group). Stainless steel brackets were bonded with two adhesive systems (DenteShield^TM or Transbond XT) after the enamel was conditioned with a primer (DenteShield^TM or Assure Universal) or a filled resin sealant (DenteShield^TM, Pro Seal^TM or Opal Seal^TM). The specimens were stored in deionized water at 37 °C for 24 hours and debonded with a universal testing machine.

The use of DenteShield^TM adhesive to bond orthodontic brackets to the enamel surface resulted in a significantly lower (P<0.05), but clinically acceptable, shear bond strength (mean & SD: 14.5±1.6 MPa) as compared with Transbond XT group (mean & SD: 19.3±1.7 MPa). DenteShield^TM sealant used as primer resulted in shear bond strength values comparable to those of Pro Seal^TM and Opal Seal^TM. All adhesive-sealant and primer-sealant combinations tested in this study exhibited shear bond strength values greater than 9.6 MPa, sufficient for clinical orthodontic needs.

DenteShield^TM sealant can serve as primer as well as anti-demineralization sealant during orthodontic treatment without adversely affecting the shear bond strength of the bracket.