Retrospective study of orthodontic bonding without liquid resin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the retention of fixed orthodontic appliances bonded without liquid resin with the use of a retrospective study design. Patients from each of 2 consultant orthodontists in the same specialty clinic were chosen under strict selection criteria. In the test group (n = 37), composite material (Phase II) without liquid resin was used to bond full arch fixed appliances onto patients' upper teeth. Patients' appliances, which were bonded with Phase II composite and liquid resin, were used as the control group (n = 37). The duration of the appliance survival, from the date of appliance bonding to the date of first accidental bracket loss, was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier product limit method and log-rank test. Our data suggested that supragingival orthodontic metal brackets seemed to bond on healthy enamel surfaces and to work equally well either with or without the use of liquid resin. The total percentages of bond failure, roughly 6%, were similar in both test and control groups. Approximately 73% of all patients in the test group and 57% of the patients in the control group experienced no bond failure at all throughout the entire course of treatment.