Examination of six orthodontic adhesives with electron microscopy, hardness tester and energy dispersive X-ray microanalyzer.
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.
Vilchis
Rogelio José Scougall
RJ
Department of Oral Functional Science and Rehabilitation, Asahi University, Gifu, Japan. rogelio_scougall@hotmail.com
Hotta
Yasuaki
Y
Yamamoto
Kohji
K
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*
D019279:Resin Cements