ABSTRACT
AIM: This study sought to determine whether a clinically acceptable shear bond strength (SBS) of metal orthodontic brackets is achievable to CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing) lithium silicate infused with zirconia and whether a chemical pre-treatment bonding protocol produced a higher shear bond strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty lithium silicate infused with zirconia (CELTRA® DUO) samples, twenty zirconia samples, and twenty lithium disilicate samples were fabricated to replicate the facial surface of a mandibular left first molar. The samples were split into two test groups, one of which received a chemical pre-treatment protocol (hydrofluoric acid etch). Shear bond strength testing was conducted and the mean, maximum, minimal, and standard deviation SBS values for each were calculated and recorded in MPa. An Adhesive Resin Index (ARI) score was also assigned to each sample to assess the mode of bond failure. RESULTS: SBS of the lithium silicate infused with zirconia groups were significantly less than the chemically pre-treated lithium disilicate group, however both materials, when chemical pre-treatment protocol was used, were not statistically different than the enamel control. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic bonding to lithium silicate infused with zirconia yielded a weaker shear bond strength than bonding to traditional lithium disilicate, however, when the surface was pre-treated with hydrofluoric acid etch it provides a bond strength that is within an acceptable clinical range.
