The effect of micro-etching on the retention of orthodontic molar bands: a clinical trial

Failure of orthodontic bands occurs most frequently at the band-cement interface, when conventional glass ionomer cements are used. Modification of the band surface may improve clinical performance by increasing the mechanical interlock at this junction. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the retention of micro-etched and untreated first molar orthodontic bands in a randomized, half-mouth trial. Seventy-nine patients had 304 bands cemented as part of routine fixed appliance therapy. The effect of micro-etching, patient age and gender, operator, molar crossbite, treatment mechanics, and arch on band failure was investigated. Failure rates and survival times were compared for each variable assessed. Micro-etched molar bands showed a significant reduction in clinical failure rate over untreated molar bands and an increase in mean survival time (P < 0.001). Of the other variables examined, only the presence of a molar crossbite had any significant effect on band failure (P = 0.004).