Compressive Strength Comparison of Different Orthodontic Metal Bracket Systems

Rebonding of orthodontic brackets to new positions during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances is a common practice and it is important not to cause plastic deformation during bracket removal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the resistance of various brackets to compression and assess their thresholds for plastic deformation. 5 different groups of metal brackets (BioQuick, Damon Q, Experience, Mini Diamond, Mini Sprint II) were bonded to 85 extracted human central incisor teeth utilizing the same adhesive system (Transbond XT). Compressive forces were applied via Weingart forceps in order to mimic clinical setting with the Shimadzu Universal tester. Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparing groups. Damon Q group exhibited the highest yield point value (549.35 N), the highest ultimate strength value (764.50 N) and the highest failure/debonding point value (721.89 N). The lowest yield point value (211.73 N), the lowest ultimate strength value (224.07 N) and the lowest failure/debonding point value (121.71 N) were found in the Mini Diamond group. The ultimate strength point values of Damon Q and Experience brackets were higher compared to Mini Diamond, BioQuick and Mini Sprint II brackets (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference between Damon Q and Experience brackets in terms of yield strength and ultimate strength values (p > 0.05) were observed. Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) score was 3 for all debonded samples. It may be concluded that Damon Q brackets were more resistant to plastic deformation than Mini Diamond, BioQuick and Mini Sprint II brackets (p < 0.05).