Clinical performance of uncoated and precoated polymer mesh base ceramic brackets

To evaluate the clinical performance of the two types of InVu ceramic brackets. The clinical performance of these brackets was measured by determining failure as well as survival rates and tie-wing fractures. Enamel surface evaluation following bracket and remnant removal was performed.

Forty non-extraction patients (31 females, 9 males) with a mean chronological age of 16 years 4 months composed this study. Bonding was performed with a split-mouth design using operator-coated and Readi-Base eXact InVu brackets. During the treatment period (45.89 ± 2.0 weeks), the failed brackets were recorded as well as the brackets with tie-wing fractures. Debracketing was undertaken with a ligature cutter (delamination technique) as recommended by the manufacturer. A modified remnant index (MRI) was used to visually evaluate the amount of remnants remaining on the tooth surface. Horizontal crack evaluation was carried out via transillumination.

Operator-coated InVu brackets demonstrated a bond failure rate of 2.6%. This value was 6.8% for the Readi-Base eXact InVu brackets. Failure rates as well as survival rates presented a statistically significant difference (P = 0.006). A higher bond failure for the premolar teeth when compared to incisor teeth, as well as a higher bond failure in the lower arch when compared to the upper arch was found. These findings were statistically significant (P = 0.000 and P = 0.007, respectively). The effect of gender on bond failure rate (P = 0.508) and survival rate (P = 0.503) was not statistically significant. Both bracket types showed comparable results for tie-wing fractures (P = 0.174). A statistically significant difference was obtained for the MRI scores (P = 0.000). No horizontal enamel cracks were observed for both bracket types.

The operator-coated InVu brackets demonstrated a lower failure rate when compared to the Readi-Base eXact pre-applied adhesive InVu brackets. The debonding procedure was safe for both bracket types.