Tensile Bond Strength comparison of Orthodontic Brackets Following Enamel Acid Etching and Carbon Dioxide Laser Etching

Currently the most widely accepted procedure for preconditioning the tooth enamel for bonding orthodontic brackets is the acid etch technique. This technique is influenced by a number of factors that can affect the strength of the adhesive bond between the bracket and the tooth enamel. An experimental alternative method for etching enamel is that of using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. It has been claimed that CO2 laser etching may provide a rougher and more consistently etched surface than acid etching. It was evident that more research is needed to evaluate the efficiency of using this technique and providing clinically acceptable bond strengths without harming the tooth. This investigation was designed to evaluate and compare the tensile bond failure loads of orthodontic brackets attached to teeth treated with acid etching and carbon dioxide lasing. A pilot study was conducted to determine the optimal power settings for the laser that would produce enamel surface most closely resembling an acid etched surface. Three teeth were chosen for examination by scanning electron microscopy. After pumicing, the facial surface of each tooth was divided into two squares with a bur..