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In vitro evaluation of microleakage under orthodontic brackets using two different laser etching, self etching and
Nihal Hamamci1, Atilim Akkurt, Güvenç Başaran
1Department of Orthodontics, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, 21280, Turkey. nhamamci@dicle.edu.tr
Lasers in Medical Science
|June 30, 2009
Summary
Acid etching demonstrated the least microleakage in dental bracket bonding. Laser etching techniques, while showing more microleakage, offer potential caries reduction and time savings as alternatives.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Orthodontic Technology
Background:
- Microleakage at the bracket-adhesive interface is a critical concern in orthodontic treatment.
- Enamel etching techniques significantly influence the bond strength and longevity of orthodontic brackets.
- Evaluating novel etching methods is essential for improving clinical outcomes and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the microleakage of orthodontic brackets bonded using four distinct enamel etching techniques.
- To assess the efficacy of traditional acid etching versus self-etching primer and two laser-based etching methods.
- To determine the optimal enamel preparation method for minimizing microleakage in dental bonding.
Main Methods:
- Forty human premolars were randomly assigned to four etching groups: acid etching, self-etching primer (SEP), Er:YAG laser, and Er,Cr:YSGG laser.
- Following bracket bonding and photopolymerization, specimens underwent 1 month of water storage and 500 thermal cycles.
- Microleakage was evaluated at adhesive-enamel and bracket-adhesive interfaces using dye penetration and stereomicroscopic examination.
Main Results:
- Microleakage was observed in all experimental groups at both evaluated interfaces.
- Acid etching (Group 1) exhibited significantly less microleakage compared to SEP (Group 2), Er:YAG laser (Group 3), and Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Group 4) on the gingival side.
- Overall, acid etching showed significantly lower microleakage than both laser etching groups.
Conclusions:
- Traditional acid etching remains the most effective method for minimizing microleakage in dental bracket bonding.
- Laser etching techniques, despite showing higher microleakage in this study, present potential advantages such as reduced caries risk and time efficiency.
- Further research into optimizing laser parameters could establish them as viable alternatives to acid etching in specific clinical scenarios.