Glass ionomer cement as an orthodontic bonding agent.

AIM To find an alternative to popular orthodontic bonding agent composite resin and elimination of acid etching. To assess GC Fuji Ortho as an orthodontic bonding agent under different enamel conditions and evaluate the shear bond strength. Enamel surfaces intentionally contaminated with saliva, conditioned enamel using Fuji dentin conditioner and conventional 37% phosphoric acid/60 seconds. To evaluate and compare shear bond strength to a 'gold standard' composite bonding agent--Rely-a-Bond. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample consisted of 50 human premolar teeth collected and stored in formalin. Out of 50 samples, 38 were upper premolars and 12 were lower second premolars. The total sample divide into 10 each. Stainless steel contour bracket with bondable mesh measured about 3.42 mm in length and 3.31 mm in width. Each tooth sample was embedded in a cylindrical acrylic block of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMN). The buccal surfaces of all the samples were polished with fluoride-free pumice and rinsed thoroughly. Group 1 bonded with GC Fuji Ortho after getting etched with 37% phosphoric acid/60 seconds. Group 2 was contaminated with saliva. Group 3 was conditioned with Fuji dentin condition. Group 4 unetched, uncontaminated, and Group 5 was treated with rely bond composite resin after getting etched with 37% phosphoric acid. The shear bond strength was tested using Instron universal testing machine. The force at which bond failed was recorded on XY recorder as shear/peel bond strength of the material used for bonding. The reading obtained were statistically analyzed. RESULT Rely bond showed highest bond strength of 64.70 N (Newtons). The next highest value was that of Group 1. The lowest bond strength in the Group 4. CONCLUSION GC Fuji Ortho can be used as a bonding agent on etched enamel. Unetched, uncontaminated enamel surfaces were inadequate for bracket bonding. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Potential benefits of glass ionomer cements can be utilized in orthodontic bonding.