Evaluation of the Effects of Topical Fluoride Varnish and Fluoride Releasing Adhesive on Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effects of topical fluoride varnish and fluoride-releasing adhesive on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets. Materials and methods: A total of 60 extracted premolars were bonded to 0.022, stainless steel brackets and equally divided into three groups (n = 20) based on the adhesive used—Group I-Transbond XT Plus color change (3M Unitek), Group II-Transbond XT followed by application of fluoride varnish, and Group III-Transbond XT (3M Unitek) adhesive and their bond strengths were compared. Brackets were debonded with a universal testing machine. The modified adhesive remnant index (ARI) was also recorded. Data were analyzed by using an analysis of variance, and a post hoc test was performed for multiple comparisons among the groups. Results: There were no significant differences between the SBSs (p = 0.91) between the groups. Also, no significant difference was found in the modified ARI (p = 0.093). Conclusion: The orthodontic adhesives used in our study, with or without the application of topical fluoride varnish, did not have a significant effect on the bond strengths of brackets. Clinical significance: Adhesives evaluated in this study can be successfully used for bonding brackets.