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Reconditioning of self-ligating brackets
Maria Francesca Sfondrini1, Esmeralda Xheka, Andrea Scribante
1Department of Orthodontics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
The Angle Orthodontist
|August 3, 2011
Summary
Reconditioning self-ligating orthodontic brackets alters their shear bond strength (SBS), but values remain clinically acceptable. Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) scores showed no significant changes after reconditioning.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials
Background:
- Self-ligating brackets are widely used in orthodontics.
- Reconditioning used brackets for chairside reuse is a cost-saving measure.
- The effect of reconditioning on bracket bond strength needs evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the shear bond strength (SBS) and Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) of new versus reconditioned self-ligating orthodontic brackets.
- To test the null hypothesis of no significant difference between new and reconditioned brackets.
Main Methods:
- 120 bovine teeth were bonded with three types of new and reconditioned self-ligating brackets (Smart Clip, Quick, Damon3MX).
- Brackets were debonded using a universal testing machine to measure SBS.
- ARI scores were recorded to assess adhesive remnants.
Main Results:
- Reconditioned Smart Clip and Damon3MX brackets had significantly lower SBS than new ones.
- Reconditioned Quick brackets exhibited significantly higher SBS compared to new ones.
- No significant differences in ARI scores were observed for any bracket type after reconditioning.
Conclusions:
- In-office reconditioning impacts the SBS of self-ligating brackets.
- Despite alterations, the SBS of reconditioned brackets generally remains within clinically acceptable limits.
- Reconditioning does not significantly affect the ARI scores of these brackets.
