Bond Strength of Orthodontic Adhesives: Conventional vs. Light-Cured Adhesives

This study aimed to compare the bond strength of orthodontic adhesives that are conventional and light-cured among 800 patients on orthodontic treatment. The research attempts to give insightful clinical information regarding the type of adhesive that produces greater bond strength and endurance.

A total of 800 patients, between the ages of 12 and 40 years, needing fixed orthodontic treatment, were selected for the study. The participants were divided into two groups, each consisting of 400 participants. The participants in Group A were bonded using a chemically cured composite adhesive and those in Group B were bonded with a light-cured resin-based composite adhesive. Bonding protocols were made uniform, and shear bond strength was tested with a universal testing machine. Failure force was measured at its peak in megapascals (MPa).

The chemically cured adhesive group presented a mean shear bond strength of 10.5 MPa (±2.4), whereas the light-cured adhesive group presented a higher mean bond strength of 13.8 MPa (±2.0). Statistical analysis (independent t-test) indicated that there was a significant difference (P = 0.003, P < 0.01) in bond strength between the two adhesives, wherein the light-cured resin composite adhesives were superior. Age, gender, and enamel condition were also controlled in analysis, and enamel condition was found to significantly influence bond strength (P = 0.02). The teeth with improved enamel quality had improved scores of bond strength. The odds ratio for improved bond strength with light-cured adhesive was 2.41, showing an improved bonding effect.

Light-cured adhesive was more bond-strength than conventional adhesives. The results indicate that light-cured adhesives could provide more durability and reliability for orthodontic treatment, and have potential implications for adhesive choice in clinical practice.