A comparison of three bracket bases: an in vitro study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in mean tensile bond strength between three groups of orthodontic bracket bases; coarse mesh (Dentaurum), fine mesh (A-Company), and an undercut base (Dynalok). Due to microscopic differences seen in the course mesh bases, these were further sub-divided into rough, smooth, and defective mesh groups, and tested in a double blind trial. All brackets were bonded to plastic cylinders with a highly filled composite resin (Concise) and tested to failure on an Instron universal testing machine. No significant differences in mean tensile bond strength were seen between the rough, smooth, and defective coarse mesh bases. The fine mesh base showed significantly higher mean tensile bond strength compared with the coarse. Both meshes performed significantly better than the undercut base.