An evaluation of silicophosphate as an orthodontic cement

In a laboratory and clinical evluation, when used for the cementation of orthodontic bands, a zinc silicophosphate cement has proved to be comparable to zinc phosphate cement in its bond strength to enamel. This was demonstrated in laboratory tests by higher values being required to break the mechanical bond and in the clinical study by the slightly smaller percentage of bands which became loose during orthodontic treatment. In both the laboratory and clinical studies it was found that silicophosphate remained attached to the enamel in higher percentages after a band had become loose. It also was found that the remaining cement was often quite difficult to remove from the enamel. Probably the greatest advantage of using silicophosphate is that no decalcification of enamel was found under bands which had become loose during orthodontic treatment. This may be attributable to the higher bond strength and/or the presence of fluoride in the cement. Further clinical studies of this nature appear warranted.