Effect of enamel deproteinization with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite on the bond strength of orthodontic brackets. An experimental study.

Abstract

Background: In the search for alternatives to increase the bond strength of brackets, when necessary, this study proposes to apply the enamel deproteinization protocol to eliminate the proteins in the surface enamel to achieve better etching patterns and thereby increase bond strength. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium hypochlorite as a deproteinizing agent on the bond strength of metal brackets.

Material and methods: Forty bovine teeth were randomly and equally divided into two groups. The experimental group (n=20) underwent a deproteinization treatment with sodium hypochlorite at 5.25% for 60 seconds prior to acid etching of the enamel with 37% phosphoric acid and bracket bonding with Transbond XTTM resin. The control group (n=20) underwent enamel etching with 37% phosphoric acid and bracket bonding with Transbond XTTM resin. Shear strength and the adhesive remnant index were evaluated and the Students t and Chi-square tests were used (P<0.05).

Results: The bond strength values of the control group (27.72±6.42 Mpa) were not significantly lower compared to the experimental group (29.21± 7.96 Mpa) (p=0.259). The adhesive remnant index showed a similar behavior in both groups, with the amount of adhesive remaining on the enamel being less than 50% in most samples of both the control and experimental group.

Conclusions: Deproteinization treatment of bovine tooth enamel with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for 60 seconds prior to enamel acid etching does not improve the bond strength of a resin in orthodontic bracket bonding. Key words:Deproteinization, sodium hypochlorite, bracket bonding, orthodontics.