Comparison of the Shear Bond Strength between a Self-Etching Ceramic Primer and Conventional Bonding Systems Used in Bonding Metal Brackets to a Ceramic Surface

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of metal brackets bonded to ceramics with a self-etching ceramic primer (Monobond Etch & PrimeTM) versus other bonding systems, and to evaluate changes to the ceramic surface with bonding. Methods: Fifty ceramic discs were divided into five groups (n=10); After Group A-D were etched with 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF), they were pre-treated with Monobond NTM (Group A), silane (Group B and C), and Scotchbond Universal AdhesiveTM (Group D). Group E was pre-treated with Monobond Etch & PrimeTM (MEP) but without etching. Transbond XT Light Cure PrimerTM was applied to all groups except for Group C, in which Assure PlusTM was used instead. SBS was measured with a universal testing machine. Surface roughness and topography of the ceramic surfaces conditioned with an HF only, an HF and silane, and MEP was evaluated using a confocal laser scanning microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Results: Group E achieved a clinically adequate SBS. Group D showed significantly higher SBS than Groups A and E (P<0.05). Group C showed higher SBS than Group A (P<0.05). Conclusions: The ceramic surfaces conditioned with MEP showed less surface roughness and etching pattern than those etched with HF. The MEP showed appropriate SBS like those seen with other bonding systems, but there was less ceramic surface damage than on those treated with HF.