Effects of combined application of antimicrobial and fluoride varnishes in orthodontic patients.

A randomized prospective clinical study, with 220 patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic therapy, was conducted to test the hypothesis that application of an antimicrobial varnish in combination with a fluoride varnish (group 1) is significantly more efficient in reducing white spot lesions on the labial surfaces than application of the fluoride varnish alone (group 2). The effects of the antimicrobial varnish on the occurrence of gingivitis and plaque formation were also studied. A third aim was to investigate whether white spot lesion development could be predicted early during treatment. The antimicrobial varnish significantly reduced the number of mutans streptococci in plaque during the first 48 weeks of treatment. This effect did not result in significantly less development of white spot lesions on the labial surfaces compared with the group receiving only the fluoride varnish application. There was however a clear trend that the combination of the antimicrobial and fluoride varnishes more effectively reduced the increments of new lesions on the maxillary incisors. It was speculated that this could be due partly to an inhibiting effect of the antimicrobial varnish in an area with low oral clearance (with low pH and loss of fluoride) and partly to an inhibiting effect of the varnish on mutans streptococci. No significant differences between the groups with respect to gingivitis and plaque were found. Lesion development was difficult to predict early after bonding, despite a number of caries-relevant parameters of orthodontic importance. The best predictors for white spot lesions at debonding were visible plaque and mutans streptococci (eg, the level of oral hygiene and thus the cariogenic challenge) around the appliance shortly after bonding.

Effect of a self-etch primer/adhesive on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

Conventional adhesive systems use 3 different agents (an enamel conditioner, a primer solution, and an adhesive resin) during the bonding of orthodontic brackets to enamel. A unique characteristic of some new bonding systems in operative dentistry is that they combine the conditioning and priming agents into a single product. Combining conditioning and priming saves time and should be more cost-effective to the clinician and, indirectly, to the patient. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the use of a self-etch primer on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets and on the bracket/adhesive failure mode. Brackets were bonded to extracted human teeth according to 1 of 2 protocols. In the control group, teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid. After the sealant was applied, the brackets were bonded with Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) and light cured for 20 seconds. In the experimental group, a self-etch acidic primer (ESPE Dental AG, Seefeld, Germany) was placed on the enamel for 15 seconds and gently evaporated with air, as suggested by the manufacturer. The brackets were then bonded with Transbond XT as in the first group. The present in vitro findings indicate that the use of a self-etch primer to bond orthodontic brackets to the enamel surface resulted in a significantly (P = .004) lower, but clinically acceptable, shear bond force (mean, 7.1 +/- 4.4 MPa) as compared with the control group (mean, 10.4 +/- 2.8 MPa). The comparison of the adhesive remnant index scores indicated that there was significantly (P = .006) more residual adhesive remaining on the teeth that were treated with the new self-etch primer than on those teeth that were bonded with the use of the conventional adhesive system.

Comparison of dental arch measurements in the primary dentition between contemporary and historic samples.

The purpose of this study was to investigate secular changes that may have occurred in dental arch dimensions by comparing a sample of contemporary North American white children (born between 1992 and 1995) in the primary dentition to those children found in an earlier study of North American white children (born between 1946 and 1948). The sample of contemporary children has been followed prospectively since birth and was assessed at 4(1/2) to 5 years of age. Data for the historic sample were obtained from 5-year-old children who were enrolled in the Iowa Growth Study. The 2 samples were similar in terms of geographic location, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. To further enhance the comparison and to match the 2 groups, the 2 samples were restricted to white children with a normal overjet (<4 mm) and normal anteroposterior molar relationship, no anterior open bite, and no crossbite. In addition, individuals were excluded if any permanent teeth were erupted. Measurements of maxillary and mandibular arch lengths and intercanine and intermolar arch widths were made, with measurements of overjet and overbite. The results indicated that maxillary and mandibular arch lengths in both sexes were significantly shorter in the contemporary sample; all arch widths were significantly smaller in contemporary boys, but not in girls. These findings suggest that average arch dimensions may be smaller in contemporary children than in past generations. Further research is needed to determine whether smaller arch dimensions are associated with more crowding in the primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions.

Evaluation of nonrinse conditioning solution and a compomer as an alternative method of bonding orthodontic bracket.

Damage to the enamel surface during bonding and debonding of orthodontic brackets is a clinical concern. Alternative bonding methods that minimize enamel surface damage while maintaining a clinically useful bond strength are an aim of current research. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of using two enamel conditioners and adhesives on the shear bond strength and bracket failure location. Forty freshly extracted human molars were pumiced and randomly divided into two groups of 20 teeth. Metal orthodontic brackets were bonded to the enamel surface by one of two protocols: 37% phosphoric acid with a composite adhesive (Transbond XT) or a nonrinse conditioner with a compomer adhesive (Dyract flow). The teeth were mounted in phenolic rings and stored in deionized water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. A Zwick Universal Testing Machine was used to determine shear bond strengths in MegaPascals. The residual adhesive on the enamel surface was evaluated using the Adhesive Remnant Index. Student t-test and chi2-test were used to compare the two groups. Significance was predetermined at P < or = .05. The results of the t-tests indicated that there were significant differences between the two adhesive systems (t = 11.18 and P = .001) with the nonrinse conditioner/compomer system having lower shear bond strength (X = 1.7 +/- 0.9 MPa) than the phosphoric acid/composite adhesive (X = 10.4 +/- 2.8 MPa). The results of the Chi Square test evaluating the residual adhesives on the enamel surfaces also revealed significant differences between the two groups (chi2 = 7.62, P = .022). In conclusion, a nonrinse conditioner used with a compomer adhesive had significantly lower shear bond strength than a phosphoric acid/composite adhesive system.

Effect of using a new cyanoacrylate adhesive on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

During bonding of orthodontic brackets to enamel, conventional adhesive systems use three different agents: an enamel conditioner, a primer solution, and an adhesive resin. A unique characteristic of some new bonding systems is that they need neither a priming agent nor a curing light to bond brackets. Such an approach should be more cost-effective for the clinician and indirectly also for the patient. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of using a cyanoacrylate adhesive on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets and on the bracket/adhesive failure mode. The brackets were bonded to extracted human teeth according to one of two protocols. Group 1: Teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid. After applying the primer, the brackets were bonded with Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) and were light-cured for 20 seconds. Group 2: Teeth were etched with 35% phosphoric acid. The brackets were then bonded with Smartbond (Gestenco International, Göthenburg, Sweden). The present in vitro findings indicated that the use of the cyanoacrylate adhesive to bond orthodontic brackets to the enamel surface did not result in a significantly different (P = .24) shear bond force (mean = 5.8 +/- 2.4 MPa) as compared to the control group (mean = 5.2 +/- 2.9 MPa). The comparison of the Adhesive Remnant Index scores indicated that there was significantly (P = .006) less residual adhesive remaining on the tooth with the cyanoacrylate than on the tooth with the conventional adhesive system. In conclusion, the new adhesive has the potential to be used to bond orthodontic brackets while reducing the total bonding time.

Effects of oral habits' duration on dental characteristics in the primary dentition.

BACKGROUND: Studies dating to the 1870s have demonstrated that long-term nonnutritive sucking habits may lead to occlusal abnormalities, including open bite and posterior crossbite. However, little is known as to whether habits of shorter durations have lasting effects. METHODS: The authors collected longitudinal data on nonnutritive sucking among children through a series of questionnaires regularly completed by parents. Researchers examined the children at ages 4 to 5 years and obtained study models. The models were measured for dental arch parameters (including arch width, arch length and arch depth) and assessed for overjet, overbite and posterior crossbite. The authors compared the dental arch and occlusal conditions among groups of children with nonnutritive sucking habits of different durations. RESULTS: Children with nonnutritive sucking habits that continued to 48 months of age or beyond demonstrated many significant differences from children with habits of shorter durations: narrower maxillary arch widths, greater overjet and greater prevalence of open bite and posterior crossbite. In addition, compared with those who ceased their habit by 12 months of age, those with habits at 36 months of age had significantly greater mandibular canine arch widths, maxillary canine arch depths and overjet, while those with habits at 24 months and 36 months had significantly smaller palatal depths. Prevalence of anterior open bite, posterior crossbite and excessive overjet (> 4 millimeters) increased with duration of habits. CONCLUSIONS: While continuous nonnutritive sucking habits of 48 months or longer produced the greatest changes in dental arch and occlusal characteristics, children with shorter sucking durations also had detectable differences from those with minimal habit durations. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: It may be prudent to revisit suggestions that sucking habits continued to as late as 5 to 8 years of age are of little concern.

Effect of altering the type of enamel conditioner on the shear bond strength of a resin-reinforced glass ionomer adhesive.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of changing the type of enamel conditioner on the shear bond strength of a resin-reinforced glass ionomer within half an hour after bonding the bracket to the tooth. Freshly extracted human molars were collected and stored in a solution of 0.1% (weight/volume) thymol. The teeth were cleaned and polished. The teeth were randomly separated into 4 groups according to the enamel conditioner/etchant and adhesive used: group I, teeth were conditioned with 10% polyacrylic acid and brackets were bonded with a resin-reinforced glass ionomer adhesive; group II, teeth were conditioned with 20% polyacrylic acid and brackets were bonded with a resin-reinforced glass ionomer adhesive; group III, teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid and the brackets were bonded with a resin-reinforced glass ionomer adhesive; group IV, teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid and the brackets were bonded with a composite adhesive. The results of the analysis of variance comparing the 4 experimental groups (F = 24.87) indicated the presence of significant differences between the groups (P =.0001). In general, the shear bond strengths were significantly greater in the 2 groups etched with 37% phosphoric acid. This was true for both the resin-reinforced glass ionomer (X = 6.1 +/- 2.7 MPa) and the composite (X = 5.2 +/- 2.9 MPa) adhesives. On the other hand, the shear bond strengths were significantly lower in the two groups conditioned with polyacrylic acid. The bond strength of the resin-reinforced glass ionomer adhesive conditioned with 10% polyacrylic acid (X = 0.4 +/- 1.0 MPa) was significantly lower than the group conditioned with 20% polyacrylic acid (&xmacr; = 3.3 +/- 2.6 MPa). The present findings indicated that the bond strength of the resin-reinforced glass ionomer adhesive can be significantly increased in the initial half hour after bonding if the enamel is etched with 37% phosphoric acid instead of being conditioned with either 10% or 20% polyacrylic acid. The clinician needs to take these properties into consideration when ligating the initial archwires.

Effect of changing enamel conditioner concentration on the shear bond strength of a resin-modified glass ionomer adhesive.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on shear bond strength of changing the concentration of the enamel conditioner used with resin-reinforced glass ionomer. Shear bond strength was measured within 30 minutes after bonding. Forty-six freshly extracted human molars were collected and stored in a solution of 0. 1% (weight/volume) thymol. The teeth were cleaned and polished, then randomly separated into 2 groups. In group I, enamel was conditioned with a 10% polyacrylic acid solution before bonding. In group II, the enamel was conditioned with a 20% polyacrylic acid solution. The results of t test comparisons of the 2 experimental groups (t = 4.9) indicate significant differences (P =.001). Shear bond strength was significantly greater in the group conditioned with the 20% polyacrylic acid concentration (X = 3.3 +/- 2.6 MPa) than in the group conditioned with the 10% concentration (X = 0.4 +/- 1.0 MPa). The present findings indicated that the lower initial shear bond strength of resin-reinforced glass ionomer adhesive can be improved more than 8-fold when the concentration of the polyacrylic acid enamel conditioner is increased from 10% to 20%. The clinician needs to take these properties into consideration when ligating the initial archwires.

Comparisons of two approaches for removing excess adhesive during the bonding procedure.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects on shear bond strength of removing excess adhesive from around the bracket base at 2 time periods: (1) immediately after placing the bracket on the tooth, and (2) after subjecting the adhesive to 5 seconds of light curing to initially secure the bracket in its proper position. The debonding forces were evaluated at 2 times; within half an hour after bonding and after storing for 24 hours in water at 37 degrees qC. These comparisons will help determine the most advantageous time for the clinician to remove excess adhesive from around the brackets during the bonding process. The teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups according to: (a) the time of removal of the excess adhesive from around the bracket base namely; immediately after placing the bracket or after 5 seconds of light cure and (b) the time of debonding the brackets, namely within half an hour or after 24 hours. Shear bond strength was measured using a Zwick test machine and calculated in Megapascals. The results of the analysis of variance (F = 35.05) comparing the 4 experimental groups indicated the presence of significant differences between all 4 groups (P = .0001). In general, the shear bond strengths were significantly larger for the 2 groups debonded after 24 hours, whether they were light cured for a total of 40 seconds (X = 8.8 +/- 3.6 MPa) or 45 seconds (X = 6.9 +/- 3.4 MPa). On the other hand, the shear bond strengths was significantly lower in the 2 groups debonded within half an hour from their initial bonding, whether light cured for 40 seconds (X = 0.4 +/- 1.0 MPa) or 45 seconds (X = 3.4 +/- 2.7 MPa). In conclusion, the additional 5 seconds of light cure significantly increased the initial shear bond strength. On the other hand, removing excess adhesive after 5 seconds of light cure significantly decreased the shear bond strength at 24 hours.

Effect of light-cure time on the initial shear bond strength of a glass-ionomer adhesive.

With the introduction of photosensitive (light-cured) restorative materials in dentistry, various methods were suggested to enhance the polymerization of these materials including layering and the use of more powerful light-curing devices. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of increasing the light-cure time on the initial shear bond strength (in the first half hour) of a resin-modified glass-ionomer adhesive. Eighty-six teeth were divided into 4 groups according to either; (1) the adhesive system used, namely resin, reinforced glass ionomer, or composite, and (2) the light-cure time for the glass ionomer adhesive, namely 40, 45, and 50 seconds. The bonding approach followed the manufacturer's instructions unless otherwise specified. The results of the analysis of variance comparing the 4 experimental groups (F = 19.4) indicated the presence of significant differences between the groups (P =. 0001). In general, the shear bond strength was greater for the composite adhesive system (¿x(-) = 5.2 +/- 2.9 MPa), followed by the 2 groups bonded with the resin-reinforced glass-ionomer adhesive and light cured for 50 seconds (¿x(-) = 3.8 +/- 1.1 MPa) and 45 seconds (¿x(-) = 3.4 +/- 2.7 MPa). On the other hand, the shear bond strength was significantly lower for the group bonded with the glass ionomer adhesive and light cured for 40 seconds only (¿x(-) = 0.4 +/- 1.0 MPa). The present findings indicated the following: (1) the resin-reinforced glass-ionomer adhesive has a significantly lower shear bond strength in the first half hour after bonding when compared to a composite resin adhesive; (2) the initial bond strength of the glass-ionomer adhesive was significantly increased by increasing the light-cure time for an additional 5 to 10 seconds; (3) the mean increase in the shear bond strength between 5 and 10 seconds of additional light curing was not significant but the variability was less with the longer cure time.

Dental and skeletal findings on an ancient Egyptian mummy.

The dentofacial structures of an ancient Egyptian mummy were radiographically evaluated from available computer tomographic scans. The cephalometric measurements obtained were compared to those available on ancient Egyptian Pharaohs as well as to modern cephalometric standards for adult males. The measurements on "Lady" Udja were closely related to both sets of cephalometric standards. The dental findings include: noticeable generalized attrition of the dentition, extracted lower first molar, and impacted maxillary third molars.

The effect of repeated bonding on the shear bond strength of a composite resin orthodontic adhesive.

One of the problems clinicians face during treatment is bracket failure. This is usually the result either of the patient's accidentally applying inappropriate forces to the bracket or of a poor bonding technique. As a result, a significant number of teeth have to be rebonded in a busy orthodontic practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated bonding on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets. Fifteen freshly extracted human molars were collected and stored in a solution of 0.1% (wt/vol) thymol. The teeth were cleaned, polished, and etched with a 37% phosphoric acid gel. The brackets were bonded with the adhesive and light cured for 20 seconds. The teeth were sequentially bonded and debonded 3 times with the same composite orthodontic adhesive. At each time, all 15 teeth were debonded within a half hour after bonding to simulate the clinical condition at which a newly bonded bracket is attached to the arch wire. The results of the analysis of variance comparing the shear bond strength at the 3 debonding attempts indicated the presence of no significant differences among the 3 groups (P = .104). However, when the overall change in shear bond strength within each tooth was evaluated between debonding sequences 1 and 3, 10 teeth had a significant (P = .001) decrease (mean +/- SD, -4.6+/-2.5 MPa) in bond strength, whereas 5 teeth had a significant (P = .02) increase (mean +/- SD, 2.8+/-1.6 MPa). The present findings indicated that in general, the highest values for shear bond strength were obtained after the initial bonding. Rebonded teeth have significantly lower and inconsistent shear bond strength; ie, bond strength may further decrease or increase after the second debonding, and the changes in bond strength may be related to the changes in the morphologic characteristics of the etched enamel surface as a result of the presence of adhesive remnants.

Facial and dental changes in adolescents and their clinical implications.

Assessment and Prediction of Dentofacial growth are perhaps the most essential, yet to a great extent the most subjective, aspects of clinical orthodontics. Although the percentage of adult patients has increased in recent years, the majority of treatment is still directed toward pre-adolescent and adolescent patients. These individuals are undergoing significant growth changes in their occlusions, facial skeletons, and profiles. The purpose of this paper is to review pertinent longitudinal facial growth data and some of the methods used to predict facial growth. The clinical implications of the available information is also discussed. The ability to forecast or predict growth lies at the very heart of contemporary clinical orthodontics. The orthodontist in formulating a treatment plan relies largely upon subjective criteria in conceiving the outcome of treatment. This intuitive perception is necessary, but the overall approach should be based on the available scientific information. There are several components to be dealt with in the prediction of craniofacial changes: the direction, the magnitude, the timing, the rate of change, and the effects of treatment. Orthodontists, in general, are well informed regarding the effects of orthodontic treatment on the patient, but are not yet able to accurately predict the direction, timing, and magnitude of the facial changes that occur with growth in any single individual.

Effect of time on the shear bond strength of glass ionomer and composite orthodontic adhesives.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of time on the shear bond strength of a resin-reinforced glass ionomer and a composite adhesive system specifically (1) within half an hour after bonding the bracket to the tooth and (2) at least 24 hours from the time of bonding when the adhesive has achieved most of its bond strength. Ninety-one freshly extracted human molars were collected and stored in a solution of 0.1% (weight/volume) thymol. The teeth were cleaned and polished. The teeth were randomly separated into four groups: Group I, glass ionomer adhesive debonded within 30 minutes from initial bonding; Group II, glass ionomer adhesive debonded after 24 hours immersion in deionized water at 37 degrees C; Group III, composite adhesive debonded within 30 minutes from initial bonding; Group IV, composite adhesive debonded after 24 hours immersion in deionized water at 37 degrees C. The results of the analysis of variance comparing the 4 experimental groups (F = 59. 3) indicated the presence of significant differences between the 4 groups (P =.0001). In general, the shear bond strengths were significantly greater in the 2 groups debonded after 24 hours. This was true for both the resin-modified glass ionomer (x = 8.8 +/- 3.6 MPa) and the composite (x = 10.4 +/- 2.8 MPa) adhesives. On the other hand, the shear bond strengths were significantly lower in the 2 groups debonded within 30 minutes of their initial bonding. The bond strength of the resin-modified glass ionomer adhesive (x = 0.4 +/- 1.0 MPa) was significantly lower than that for the composite (x = 5.2 +/- 2.9 MPa) adhesive. The present findings indicated that the resin reinforced glass ionomer adhesive has a significantly lower initial bond strength but increased more than 20-fold within 24 hours. In comparison, the composite adhesive has a significantly larger initial bond strength that doubled within 24 hours. The clinician needs to take these properties into consideration when ligating the initial arch wires.

Comparison of the debonding characteristics of two innovative ceramic bracket designs.

Two new ceramic brackets-one designed with a metal-lined arch wire slot and the other with an epoxy resin base-have been recently introduced. The new brackets are thought to combine the esthetic advantages of ceramics and the functional advantages of debonding metal brackets. The purpose of this study was to compare the following: 1) the shear bond strength of the 2 brackets, and 2) the bond failure location when the brackets are debonded with pliers. Sixty-one Clarity (3M Unitek) collapsible ceramic brackets and 66 MXi (TP Orthodontics, Inc) brackets were bonded to the teeth with the same bonding system. The Zwick Universal Test Machine (Zwick Gm bH & Co) was used to determine the shear bond strength force levels needed to debond the brackets. The appropriate pliers also were used to debond both types of brackets to determine the mode of bond failure that will be encountered clinically. After debonding, all the teeth and brackets were examined with 10x magnification. Any adhesive that remained after the bracket removal was assessed according to the Adhesive Remnant Index. The findings indicated that the shear bond strength of the Clarity ceramic brackets was significantly greater than that of the MXi ceramic brackets. However, both brackets exhibited forces that were adequate for clinical use. The Adhesive Remnant Index scores for both the shear test and the plier debonding indicated a similar bond failure pattern when the 2 ceramic brackets were compared with each other. This suggests that, when these brackets are debonded with the Weingart (Ormco) and ETM (Ormco) pliers, there was a greater tendency for most of the adhesive to remain on the enamel surface. In conclusion, the most efficient method to debond the MXi ceramic bracket is by placing the blades of the ETM 346 pliers between the bracket base and the enamel surface. On the other hand, the most efficient method of debonding the Clarity bracket is by using the Weingart pliers and applying pressure to the tiewings. When the 2 ceramic brackets were debonded as recommended here, most of the residual adhesive remained on the enamel surface, a pattern similar to the one observed previously with metal brackets. The failure at the bracket-adhesive interface decreases the probability of enamel damage but necessitates the removal of more residual adhesive after debonding.

Third molars: a dilemma! Or is it?

The purpose of this article is to review some of the pertinent studies related to the management of third molars in an orthodontic context. The clinician should base his or her decision to extract or not extract third molars on the most current scientific information and what is best for each individual patient.

Changes in root length from early to mid-adulthood: resorption or apposition?

A significant number of adults are seeking orthodontic treatment, therefore, it is important to determine the normal changes in root length (resorption or apposition) that occur at this stage of maturation, specifically between early and mid-adulthood. The purpose of the study was to determine on a longitudinal basis the changes in root length between 25 and 45 years of age in a normative untreated population. Two sets of complete mouth surveys were available at early and mid-adulthood, on a total of 26 subjects (12 males and 14 females). Each set consisted of at least 18 periapical radiographs. On each set of radiographs, the roots of 28 teeth were measured including incisors, canines, premolars, and first and second molars, in both the maxillary and mandibular arches. Root length was measured as the perpendicular from the root apex to a line connecting the mesial and distal points of the cementoenamel junction of each tooth. A total of 1456 teeth (1664 roots) were measured; 672 teeth in males and 784 teeth in females. Allowable intraexaminer and interexaminer measurement variability was predetermined at 0.5 mm. Paired and Student t tests were used to determine: (1) whether significant changes occurred with age; (2) whether there were differences between males and females for the incisors, canines, premolars, and molars; and (3) whether there were differences between the right and left sides. Statistical significance was predetermined at P

Shear bond strength of composite, glass ionomer, and acidic primer adhesive systems.

The purpose of this study was to determine the shear bond strengths of orthodontic brackets bonded with one of three methods: (1) a glass ionomer adhesive with a 20% polyacrylic acid enamel conditioner; (2) a composite resin adhesive used with 37% phosphoric acid etchant and a conventional primer; or (3) the same composite resin used with an acidic primer that combines the etchant with the primer in one application. The brackets were bonded to the teeth according to one of three protocols. Group I teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid and bonded with Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) following the manufacturer's instructions. Group I acted as the control group. Group II teeth were etched with an acidic primer (Clearfil Liner Bond 2. J.C. Moritta Kuraway, Japan) that contains both the acid (Phenyl-P) and the primer (HEMA and dimethacrylate) and was placed on the enamel for 30 seconds; the adhesive used to bond the brackets was Transbond XT as in Group I. Group III teeth were etched with 20% polyacrylic acid and the brackets were bonded with Fuji Bond LC (G.C. America, Chicago, Ill). A steel rod with one flattened end was attached to the crosshead of a Zwick test machine (Zwick GmbH & Co, Ulm, Germany). An occlusogingival load was applied to the bracket, producing a shear force at the bracket-tooth interface. The results indicated that the resin/phosphoric acid adhesive system (control group) provided the strongest shear bond strength x = 10.4 +/- 2.8 MPa). The glass ionomer adhesive system provided a significantly lower bond strength (x = 6.5 +/- 1.9 MPa). The least shear bond strength was present when the acidic primer was used with an orthodontic adhesive (x = 2.8 +/- 1.9 MPa). In the present study, the use of either a fluoride-releasing glass ionomer or an acidic primer in combination with an available orthodontic composite adhesive resulted in a significantly reduced shear bond strength when compared with that of the conventional composite resin adhesive system. At the present time, the orthodontist and the patient are better served by using phosphoric acid/composite resin adhesive system or other equivalent systems that provide a clinically reliable bond strength between the bracket, the adhesive, and the enamel surface.