Abstract
A pre-production sample of zirconium oxide (ceramic) brackets was examined in this study. A laboratory investigation of the tensile/peel bond strength of the brackets was carried out using two light-cured adhesives (Prismafil and Heliosit) and one chemically-cured adhesive (Delphic). The mode of failure was also investigated using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The bond strengths achieved with Prismafil were statistically significantly (P < 0·05) lower than Heliosit and Delphic between which no significant differences were found. All samples failed at the bracket—adhesive interface. A clinical test demonstrated the extreme ease of sliding along stainless steel and nickel-titanium archwires. and revealed a low plaque adhesion. The principal disadvantage of these brackets appears to be their off-white highly opaque appearance which in addition to giving poor aesthetics may adversely affect bond strength with light-cured adhesives.
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