Reliability of the adhesive remnant index score system with different magnifications.

OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores show no differences when examined under different magnifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 80 upper human premolars. Stainless steel brackets were bonded to the specimens with Transbond XT light cure adhesive and Transbond Plus Self Etch Primer (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif, USA). The brackets were debonded 24 hours after bonding with a universal testing machine (LLOYD Instruments, Segensworth, Fareham, England) at a cross head speed of 2.00 mm/min. The adhesive remnant was evaluated after debonding with the naked eye and under 10x and 20x magnification (Mag) using the 4-point scale described by Artun and Bergland. RESULTS ARI scores were significantly different at different magnifications (P = .018). Scores were not significantly different when evaluated with the naked eye and under 10x Mag (P = .102). Scores were significantly different under 20x Mag and with the naked eye (P = .014); under 20x Mag, score 0 decreased from 12 to 6 and score 2 increased from 14 to 20 and also under 20x Mag and under 10x Mag (P = .046); the under 20x Mag score 1 decreased from 40 to 38 and score 3 increased from 14 to 16. CONCLUSION ARI scores were significantly different under 20x Mag, where score 0 decreased and score 2 increased compared with the naked eye, while score 1 decreased and score 3 increased compared with 10x Mag.