Shear bond strength after using sealant before bonding: a systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies

Abstract

Objectives: Decalcification during orthodontic treatment is significantly increased. To prevent this negative impact, new treatments with sealants before bonding brackets are commonly been used. This systematic review discusses current knowledge on shear bond strength when using sealant before bonding.

Materials and methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to identify studies that address shear bond strength after using a sealant before bonding brackets. The search was carried out using common electronic databases in addition to individual searches. Both screening and study eligibility analysis were performed according to PRISMA and Cochrane Guidelines for systematic reviews. Several terms describing shear bond strength after using a sealant before bonding brackets were searched. Particular attention was paid to bond failure and bracket loss. For the statistical outcome, all results were shown in a forest plot based on standardized mean differences (SMD) with a random-effects model to respect heterogeneity of these studies. To assess the heterogeneity of the different trials, I²-value and the Q-Test were performed.

Results: The initial search identified 416 studies. After a thorough selection process, a total of 15 articles met the inclusion criteria. All 15 articles reported results of in vitro studies. Papers were divided into four subgroups according to their used product: ProSeal, Transbond bonding, the combination of Transbond bonding and ProSeal and Clearfil Protect Bond. The results of this review demonstrate a high heterogeneity of the studies. The SMD of the examined 15 articles show nearly no difference between the control and the intervention groups in shear bond strength (p < 0.0001; OR - 0.12; Cl - 0.47-0.23). Forest plots for comparison of the subgroups depict no difference in shear bond strength as well.

Conclusions: This meta-analysis concludes that there is no additive benefit for shear bond strength when using sealant before bonding. However, additional randomized controlled studies should be performed to analyze impact of sealants on bonding strength and bracket loss in more detail.

Clinical relevance: Using sealants before orthodontic bonding does not reduce shear bond strength.

Keywords: Bracket surface; Demineralization; Orthodontic; Sealant; Shear bond strength.