• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.275-282
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• 2008

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using laser for ceramic bracket bonding of porcelain surfaces and to compare it with conventional treatment of porcelain surfaces. Methods: Ninety feldspathic porcelain specimens were divided into 9 groups of 10, with each group having different surface treatments performed. Surface treatment groups were orthophosphoric acid, orthophosphoric acid with silane, hydrofluoric acid, hydrofluoric acid with silane, sandblasted, sandblasted with silane, laser etched, laser etched with silane, and glazed surface served as a control group. In the laser etched groups, the specimens were irradiated with 2-watt superpulse carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) laser for 20 seconds. Ceramic brackets were bonded with light-cure composite resin and all specimens were stored in water at $37^{\circ}C$ for 24 hours. Shear bond strength was determined in megapascals (MPa) by shear test at 1 mm/minute crosshead speed and the failure pattern was assessed. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and tukey test were used. Results: Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the groups. The HFA + S group showed the highest mean shear bond strength ($13.92{\pm}1.94\;MPa$). This was followed by SB + S ($10.16\;{\pm}\;1.27\;MPa$), HFA ($10.09\;{\pm}\;1.07\;MPa$), L + S ($8.25\;{\pm}\;1.24\;MPa$), L ($7.86\;{\pm}\;0.96\;MPa$), OFA + S ($7.22\;{\pm}\;1.09\;MPa$), SB ($3.41\;{\pm}\;0.37\;MPa$), OFA ($2.81\;{\pm}\;0.37\;MPa$), G ($2.46\;{\pm}\;1.36\;MPa$), Bond failure patterns of HFA and silane groups, except L + S, were cohesive modes in porcelain while adhesive failure was observed in the control group and the rest of the groups. Conclusions : A 2-watt superpulse $CO_2$ laser etching of porcelain surfaces can provide a satisfactory result for porcelain surface treatment for ceramic bracket bonding. Laser irradiation may be an alternative conditioning method for the treatment of porcelain surfaces.