RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine (1) the shear bond strength (SBS) of an antimicrobial monomer-containing self-etching primer according to ceramic bracket types and (2) the bracket-adhesive failure mode using an adhesive remnant index (ARI). METHODS: A total of 90 extracted human teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups. Each group consisted of one of two ceramic brackets (monocrystalline, polycrystalline) and one of three primers (Transbond XT primer, Transbond Plus SEP, Clearfil Protect Bond) with each group containing 15 specimens. The SBS was measured, and adhesive residues left on the tooth surface were assessed. RESULTS: The SBS of polycrystalline ceramic bracket groups was significantly higher than that of the monocrystalline ceramic bracket groups (p < 0.001). The SBS of Transbond XT primer groups was significantly higher than those of Transbond Plus SEP groups and Clearfil Protect Bond groups (p < 0.001). All the groups showed bonding failures between the bracket base and adhesive. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of a self-etching primer with a monocrystalline bracket is recommended for clinical use, considering its acceptable SBS and mode of failure.