The effect of temperature change of composites on the bonding strength of orthodontic brackets.
In an orthodontic office, the bonding system is subjected to certain temperature variation that ranges between 5 degrees C (refrigeration) and 25 degrees C (room temperature). The purpose of this study was to determine whether such temperature variation has any effects on tensile and shear bond strengths and the type of bracket failure. Two groups of 20 teeth each were compared; in one group the temperature of the composite during bonding was 5 degrees C and in the other group the temperature was 25 degrees C. Student's t test was used to determine whether significant differences were present between the two groups. The results of the present findings indicate that the variation in the temperature of the composite, within the limits tested, does not seem to adversely affect the bonding strength of the bracket to the enamel. In addition there was no difference between the two groups in the type of interface bond failure among the enamel, composite, and bracket.