Influence of the use of remineralizing agents on the tensile bond strength of orthodontic brackets

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the use of remineralizing agents on the tensile bond strength. The study sample consisted of 80 recently extracted molars, which were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 20): groups FG1 and FG30, in which fluoride varnish was used, and groups RG1 and RG30, in which Recaldent tooth mousse was used. The mesiobuccal surfaces served as experimental, and distobuccal as control (n = 80). Brackets were bonded to both surfaces and were submitted to a tension test at different time intervals (T1 and T30). Tensile bond strength (TBS) and the amount of adhesive remnant (ARI) were assessed. A statistically significantly lower mean of TBS compared to the control group was found only in the FG1 group (p < 0.001), and no significant difference was found between the other groups. The FG1 group showed significantly higher ARI scores (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. No significant difference was found between the other groups. In conclusion, bonding brackets one day after applying fluoride varnish significantly reduced the TBS, but after 30 days it was set back to an optimal value. The use of Recaldent before orthodontic treatment had no adverse effect.