Evaluation of a New Nano-filled Bonding Agent for Bonding Orthodontic Brackets as Compared to a Conventional Bonding Agent

Introduction: Recent advances in the field of material sciences have opened up a new horizon of options for bonding agents that can be used efficiently in orthodontics. The purpose of this study was evaluate and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of the traditionally used Transbond XT and a newer nano-filled material Prime and Bond NT. Materials and methods: Sixty freshly extracted maxillary first premolars were stored in 0.1% (weight/volume) thymol. These were divided into two Groups. Group 1: Transbond XT bonding agent and adhesive were used to bond the brackets to the premolars, Group 2: Prime and Bond NT was used as a bonding agent and Transbond XT as the adhesive. The test specimens were mounted on acrylic tubes and tested for SBS level by using universal testing machine. Results: The SBS of Transbond XT was higher than the newer nano-filled Prime and Bond NT, but both values were above the clinically acceptable levels. Conclusion: Although both bonding agents provide clinically acceptable levels of bond strength, the technique to bond the nano-filled Prime and Bond NT is more cumbersome as compared to the Transbond XT material, which makes the latter a more popular choice in the clinical set up. If the application procedures for the Prime and Bond NT can be simplified then it could be a convenient option in the orthodontic practice.