Modification of 4-META/MMA-TBB resin for safe debonding of orthodontic brackets--influence of the addition of degradable additives or fluoride compound

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of modified 4-META/MMA-TBB resin cements (Superbond C&B) in terms of debonding orthodontic brackets easily and safely from enamel without the loss of proper bracket bond strength. Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), calcium fluoride (CaF2), or alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) was added to the polymer powder of 4-META/MMA-TBB resin, and the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets to human enamel using modified resins was measured before and after 10,000-cycle thermal cycling test between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C. The modified resins tended to provide lower bond strength compared with the original 4-META/MMA-TBB resin. However, alpha-TCP- or CaF2-modified resin showed no significant differences in bond strength before and after thermal cycling. Moreover, there was a tendency of more residual resin remaining on the tooth surface after debonding, thereby suggesting a lower risk of enamel fracture. In conclusion, alpha-TCP- or CaF2-modified 4-META/MMA-TBB resin seemed to allow easy and safe debonding of orthodontic brackets without loss of proper bracket bond strength.