Introduction: The factors which may influence the bond strength of the applied orthodontic brackets on the tooth surface are the size and structure of the bracket base.
Objective: The aim of the paper was to investigate the influence of size and shape of different types of brackets on bond strength on the enamel and analyze the remaining quality of adhesive material on the tooth surface after debonding of orthodontic brackets (adhesive remnant index - ARI).
Methods: In this study, three types of metal brackets of different sizes and shapes of Dentaurum manufacturer were used (Utratrimm, Equilibrium 2, Discovery, Dentaurum, Inspringen, Germany). The brackets were applied onto the middle part of the anatomic crowns of buccal surfaces of 30 premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons. In addition, the pre-treatment of teeth by 37% orthophosphoric acid and adhesive material System1+ (Dentaurum, Germany) were used.
Results: The mean value of the bonded brackets bond strength of Discovery type after debonding was 8.67 +/- 0.32 MPa, while the value of the bonded brackets bond strength of Equilibrium 2 type amounted to 8.62 +/- 0.22 MPa. The value of the bonded brackets bond strength of Ultratrimm type after debonding was 8.22 +/- 0.49 MPa. There were no statistical differences in the values of bond strength regarding all three groups of the investigated orthodontic brackets (F = 4.56; p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The base size and design of metal orthodontic brackets did not play a significant role in bond strength, while the values of ARI index were identical in all three investigated groups.