[The peripheral joint: an unrecognized element in the bonding of orthodontic appliances]

The purpose of this experiment was to verify the hypothesis that only the shape of the bonding seal could explain the formation of demineralized zones around the orthodontic brackets when oral hygiene conditions are good. A purpose-formulated bonding sealant has been developed and compared with commercially available bonding agents. Teeth have been bracket-bonded, then cross-sectioned are observed with a metallographic microscope. The specially formulated bonding agent was revealed superior to other ones as the obtained seals were of shape facilitating plaque control around the orthodontic brackets.