Do products preventing demineralization around orthodontic brackets affect adhesive bond strength?

Objective: This study investigated the effects, on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets, of using an antimicrobial selenium-containing sealant (DenteShield™) to serve dual functions of priming enamel prior to bonding and as a protective barrier against whitespot lesion formation. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 extracted human premolars were randomly assigned into 10 groups (n=15/group). Stainless steel brackets were bonded with two adhesive systems (DenteShield™ or Transbond XT) after the enamel was conditioned with a primer (DenteShield™ or Assure Universal) or a filled resin sealant (DenteShield™, Pro Seal™ or Opal Seal™). The specimens were stored in deionized water at 37 °C for 24 hours and debonded with a universal testing machine. Results: The use of DenteShield™ adhesive to bond orthodontic brackets to the enamel surface resulted in a significantly lower (P<0.05), but clinically acceptable, shear bond strength (mean & SD: 14.5±1.6 MPa) as compared with Transbond XT group (mean & SD: 19.3±1.7 MPa). DenteShield™ sealant used as primer resulted in shear bond strength values comparable to those of Pro Seal™ and Opal Seal™. All adhesive-sealant and primer-sealant combinations tested in this study exhibited shear bond strength values greater than 9.6 MPa, sufficient for clinical orthodontic needs. Conclusion: DenteShield™ sealant can serve as primer as well as anti-demineralization sealant during orthodontic treatment without adversely affecting the shear bond strength of the bracket.