Tensile bond strength of a light-cured glass ionomer cement when used for bracket bonding under different conditions: an in vitro study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the tensile bond strength of a new light-cured resin reinforced glass ionomer cement (Fuji Ortho LC), following the bonding of stainless steel brackets to 40 extracted human premolar teeth under four different enamel surface conditions: (1) non-etched, moistened with water; (2) etched, moistened with water; (3) etched, moistened with human saliva; and (4) etched, moistened with human plasma. The etched surface produced a higher bond strength than the non-etched surface when contaminated with distilled water. Contamination with human saliva resulted in a further increase in bond strength whilst plasma contamination produced an even higher strength. However, one-way analysis of variance showed no statistically significant difference between the various groups. After debonding, enamel and bracket base surfaces were examined for residual adhesive. The location of the adhesive also indicated improved bonding to etched enamel. This investigation shows that regardless of enamel surface pretreatment or environment, Fuji Ortho LC provides an adequate strength for bonding of orthodontic brackets.