Direct Bonding of Orthodontic Brackets—a Comparative Study of Adhesives

Abstract

Various materials are currently available to orthodontists for use as adhesives in the direct bonding of orthodontic brackets to teeth. In this comparative study three factors have been examined, namely the tensile bond strength of suitable adhesives in orthodontic bracket—adhesive—human enamel combinations, the effect of water immersion on the bond strength and the effect of the acid etchant on the bond strength. This work should give the practitioner an indication of the clinical merits of some of these materials.