pH Effects of Soda, Brew, and Citrus on Adhesive Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets to the Enamel. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Adhesive Remnant Index Analysis

Abstract

Aim: To assess the effects of milk tea, carbonated drink, orange juice, and artificial saliva on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets and assess their mode of failure under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Material and Methods: Eighty non-carious extracted premolars were disinfected, etched, had primer applied and cured, and bracket bonded with light cure composite adhesive. These teeth were then immersed in separate media of milk tea, carbonated drink, orange juice, and artificial saliva for 10 minutes per day for three months. After which, they were thermocycled and subjected to shear stress in the Universal testing machine, and the shear load was recorded. Following debonding, the teeth were analyzed under SEM for failure analysis using adhesive remnant Index (ARI). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparison tests. Results: Carbonated drink and milk tea showed comparable shear bond strength which differed significantly from that of orange juice and artificial saliva. Conclusion: Carbonated drink had the most erosive effect on the tooth’s surface and showed the least shear bond strength and adhesive remnant score than the teeth immersed in other media.