Effect of argon laser curing on the shear bond strength of metal brackets bonded with light-cured glass ionomer cement.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength and debonding characteristics of glass ionomer cement cured with an argon laser.


METHODS
Thirty extracted first premolars were divided into 2 groups of 15. The teeth were cleaned and mounted in resin, and metal brackets were bonded with glass ionomer cement. In the control group, the bond was cured with a halogen light for 40 seconds (20 seconds mesial and 20 seconds distal). In the test group, the specimens were cured with an argon laser for 5 seconds. Brackets were debonded in shear; bond strength was measured, and the adhesive remnant index was scored.


RESULTS
The difference in mean shear bond strength was not statistically significant between groups when compared with a t test. More adhesive remained on the enamel surface in the laser group than in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Argon laser curing produces bond strengths equivalent to those obtained with traditional light curing in much less time, but it leaves more adhesive on the tooth surface.
Serra
Glaucio
G
Biomedical laser center, IPD-UNIVAP, São Jose dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil. dr.g.serra@medcenter.com
Brugnera
Aldo
A
Elias
Carlos Nelson
CN
Bolognese
Ana Maria
AM
D000268:Adhesiveness; D001128:Argon; D001641:Bicuspid; D001840:Dental Bonding; D017005:Dental Debonding; D003748:Dental Equipment; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008027:Light; D008422:Materials Testing; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D033081:Shear Strength
D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D001128:Argon