ABSTRACT
Assure universal bonding resin is a modified cement with fluoride releasing property. It is claimed to provide adequate bond strength between the bracket and enamel in wet conditions; although more studies are required in this regard. This study compared the shear bond strength of Transbond XT and Assure universal bonding resin to dry and saliva-contaminated enamel in vitro. In this in vitro study, 60 extracted human premolars were selected and stainless steel brackets were bonded to enamel surfaces. Bonding of brackets to enamel surfaces was done using Assure universal bonding resin [dry condition], Transbond XT [dry condition] and Assure [saliva-contaminated condition]. The shear bond strength of brackets to the enamel was determined by Zwick/Roell machine in three groups. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA], and the Kruskal Wallis test. The mean shear bond strength of brackets to enamel surfaces bonded with Assure [dry condition], Transbond XT and Assure [saliva-contaminated condition] was 14.18 +/- 4.78 MPa, 16.13 +/- 5.49 MPa and 13.32 +/- 4.74 MPa, respectively [with no significant differences]. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test found no significant differences regarding the adhesive remnant index [ARI]. [P=0.053]. Bonding of stainless steel brackets to enamel surfaces with Assure universal bonding resin provided adequate bond strength in dry and saliva-contaminated conditions. Thus, it may be used for bonding of orthodontic brackets to the enamel surfaces in the clinical setting