Failure rates among metal brackets cured with two high-intensity LED light-curing lamps: an in vivo study

Abstract

Summary Objective The objective of this split-mouth clinical trial was to compare bonding failure rates of metal brackets bonded with two different light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing lamps with different high-intensity power outputs. Materials and methods Forty patients were included for a total of 800 brackets that were randomly bonded (left and right sides in a 1:1 ratio) in maxillary and mandibular arches using two different LED devices. An LED of 3200 mW/cm2 and an LED of 5000 mW/cm2 were used in this split-mouth clinical trial. Bonding failures during the initial 6 months of orthodontic treatment were recorded as maxillary versus mandibular, anterior teeth versus posterior teeth, and left side versus right side. Results Five dropouts were recorded for discontinuing orthodontic treatment and 700 brackets were analysed in total. The bonding failure rates for 3200 and 5000 mW/cm2 LEDs were 6.0 and 7.4 per cent, respectively (P = 0.450), which were not statistically significantly different. There were no significant differences in bracket survival rates between the LEDs used (P = 0.866). The posterior teeth presented a higher index of bond failures (odds ratio, 3.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.68–5.87; P < 0.001). Limitations Direct comparison was only done between two high-intensity LED lights rather than against conventionally used halogen lights. Conclusion Similar bonding failures were recorded using both LED devices (3200 and 5000 mW/cm2). Significantly more bonding failures occurred in premolar teeth than in anterior teeth.