Bonding Failures of Lingual Orthodontic Brackets: A Retrospective Study Comparing Lingual Brackets with KommonBase Extensions, to Customized Lingual Brackets

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate in a clinical setting the bracket survival of lingual brackets bonded with the KommonBase system, and to compare it to the survival of a customized lingual bracket system. Two convenience samples of 13 consecutive patients treated with lingual fixed appliances with KommonBase extensions (Group 1) and 14 consecutive patients treated with customized Incognito™ lingual fixed appliances were retrospectively enrolled (Group 2). First time debondings were recorded from the files. Data were submitted to statistical analysis and a Log-rank test was used to compare the Kaplan–Meier survival curves between the two groups. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. Lingual brackets bonded with the KommonBase system showed a failure rate of 8%, while Incognito brackets showed a failure rate of 7.1%. The Log-rank test comparing the Kaplan–Meier survival curves revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.343). Most debondings occurred during the first 6 months. Upper incisors and canines were less prone to debond than premolars and molars. In conclusion, no difference in bracket survival was observed between the KommonBase system and a customized lingual appliance.