Orthodontic Bond Strength Comparison between Two Filled Resin Sealants

Sealants are used in orthodontics to help prevent demineralization during treatment. This study aimed to determine if there is a difference in the shear bond strength (SBS) between 2 different resin sealants bonded to teeth.

Extracted human premolars (n=20/group) were randomly divided and prepared by acid etching, followed by application of primer or sealant. Group 1, the control group, used Transbond XT Primer (3M Unitek). Groups 2 and 3 were prepared with the sealants L.E.D. Pro Seal (Reliance Orthodontic Products) and Opal Seal (Opal Orthodontics) as the respective primers. Transbond XT Adhesive was applied to a stainless steel bracket and bonded to each tooth. Each group was stored in distilled water at 37°C for 48 hours before. SBS was measured using a universal testing machine, and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) was scored.

The SBS (MPa) of the groups was as follows: Group 1 (Transbond): 20.1±6.0; Group 2 (Pro Seal): 16.5±4.8; and Group 3 (Opal Seal): 15.7±3.9. The SBS of Transbond XT Primer was significantly greater than that of Opal Seal (p<0.05/analysis of variance-Tukey), while Pro Seal and Opal Seal sealants were not significantly different from each other (p<0.05). The Opal Seal group had significantly greater ARI scores, indicating that more adhesive remained on the teeth after debonding.

Opal Seal and Pro Seal sealants have similar SBS but generally exhibit lower bond strengths than an adhesive primer.