title: Examination of six orthodontic adhesives with electron microscopy, hardness tester and energy dispersive X-ray microanalyzer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the ultrastructure of six light-cure orthodontic adhesives with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), microhardness tester, and energy dispersive X-ray microanalyzer (EDX).
  
  
  METHODS
  The orthodontic adhesives evaluated were Transbond XT, Light Bond, BeautyOrtho Bond, Kurasper F, Heliosit Orthodontic, and Salivatect. Specimens of each adhesive were carefully prepared for observation under SEM and TEM. Furthermore, the Vickers hardness was tested, and the adhesives were evaluated with EDX.
  
  
  RESULTS
  SEM and TEM images illustrated great diversity of the adhesives ultrastructure. The Vickers hardness test showed significant differences among all the adhesives (except Transbond XT and Salivatect). Although some similar elements were detected with EDX, the concentration was different in each adhesive.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Orthodontic brackets can be bonded to the enamel surface with the adhesives available on the market. However, orthodontists might achieve better results identifying their properties and compositions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Functional Science and Rehabilitation, Asahi University, Gifu, Japan. rogelio_scougall@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Rogelio José Scougall
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Vilchis
authors.forename: Yasuaki
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hotta
authors.forename: Kohji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
mesh_terms: D001840:Dental Bonding; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D006244:Hardness; D006245:Hardness Tests; D008422:Materials Testing; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D019279:Resin Cements