A review of orthodontic bond failure using a chemical cure adhesive

Orthodontic treatment involves the direct bonding of brackets to the tooth surface. These bonds should survive until the end of active treatment. The objective of this study was to clinically determine the frequency and bond failure pattern at the orthodontic clinic in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH) within a two-year period.

A total of 1926 stainless steel Roth .022 brackets (Ultraminitrim Dentaurum, Germany) in 113 patients were bonded using Rely-a-bond No-mix Adhesive (Reliance Orthodontic Products Inc., U.S.A.) over a two-year period. The effects of age, gender, arch location and position of the tooth in the arch on failure rate were evaluated. The mean time to first bond failure was also determined.

A failure rate of 24.1% was recorded. The mean age at onset of treatment was 18.08 years. There was female preponderance with a male to female ratio of 1:3. The failure rate in males was 26.2% and in females 23.4%. The failure rates among the different age groups are as follows; 6-11 years 30.7%, 12-17 years 36.2%, 18-25 years 10.2%, 26 and above years 9.1%. The failure rate was significantly higher in the mandibular teeth and teeth in the posterior location of the arch.

Out of 1926 bonded brackets there was a failure rate of 24.1% with a higher rate of failure in the younger age group, mandibular teeth and teeth in the posterior location of the arch.