Effect of different enamel conditionings on the bond strength of glass ionomer cement and ceramic brackets

Aim: To evaluate the effect of different enamel conditionings on the shear bond strength (SBS) and bond failure patterns of a resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) used to bond ceramic brackets. Methods: 105 human premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were divided into 7 groups according to the enamel surface treatments: conditioners (35% phosphoric acid and 10% polyacrylic acid), type of adhesive (Transbond(r) and Fuji Ortho LC Capsule(r)), washing time and drying of the surface. Results: A significant p 0.05) to the group that had brackets bonded with composite resin. The two groups that had enamel prepared with polyacrylic acid and brackets bonded with GIC on a wet surface showed significantly lower shear bond strength than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Moisture contamination decreased SBS, but not enough to preclude the use of RMGIC as an alternative to composite resin (CR) for direct bonding of ceramic brackets.