Direct bonding to Adlloy-treated amalgam

The purpose of this study was to test the bond-enhancing effect by modifying amalgam surfaces with Adlloy (a gallium-tin liquid alloy) and bonding brackets by using two different resin systems. Bond strength and location of bond failure was assessed by using (1) Concise (3M Dental Products) and (2) C&B Metabond (Parkell) systems with and without the use of Adlloy alloy. Class V buccal amalgam restorations (n = 132) were subjected to one of two surface treatments: (1) sandblasting or (2) sandblasting plus Adlloy treatment. Mandibular premolar brackets were bonded with Concise composite resin or C&B Metabond (adhesive) to amalgam surfaces. All specimens were stored in 37 degrees C water for 10 weeks and subjected to thermocycling before bond strength testing. The laboratory shear bond strength of Concise material to amalgam was not improved after Adlloy modification. However, Adlloy-treated amalgam significantly increased the laboratory shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets bonded with C&B Metabond material. The majority (58%) of the bond failures of C&B Metabond bonded to non-Adlloy treated-amalgam occurred at the amalgam-adhesive interface, whereas the majority (58%) of the bond failure of C&B Metabond bonded to Adlloy-treated amalgam failed within the adhesive. Fracture within the amalgam during debonding was observed with C&B Metabond bonded to sandblasted amalgam (21%) and Adlloy-treated amalgam (15%). Regardless of Adlloy treatment, C&B Metabond would appear to provide adequate orthodontic bonding to amalgam; however, there may exist a potential risk of amalgam restoration fracture upon debonding.