Abstract

Purpose To evaluate and compare shear bond strength (SBS) of new and recycled metallic brackets bonded to conditioned and reconditioned enamel, using two different adhesive materials. Material and Method 72 extracted sound human premolars were randomly divided into 6 groups. Transbond XT light cured composite (LCC) and Fuji Ortho LC resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI), were used as adhesive materials. In groups 1 and 2 (control), new brackets were bonded to sound premolars using either LCC or RMGI, respectively. In Groups 3 and 4, new brackets were bonded to reconditioned enamel; and in groups 5 and 6, sandblasted recycled brackets were rebonded to reconditioned enamel. After 5.000 thermal cycles between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C, SBS was evaluated and adhesive remnant on the enamel assessed using the ARI index. Statistical analyses included Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, Fligner-Killeen ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results The statistical analysis showed no significant difference in SBS comparing control and experimental groups for either new or recycled brackets (p = 0.848). The SBS was significantly higher in brackets bonded with LCC (15.7 MPa) than RMGI (11.6 MPa) (p = 0.006). Adhesive failure was the most frequent, with the adhesive remnant covering more than 50% of the bracket base. Conclusion No significant differences were observed in SBS using either new or recycled brackets, regardless of the dental surface treatment (conditioned or reconditioned). Significantly higher SBS values were obtained with LCC adhesive. Adhesive failure prevails in all groups.