A NEW LIGHT-CURED GLASS-IONOMER CEMENT THAT BONDS BRACKETS TO TEETH WITHOUT ETCHING IN THE PRESENCE OF SALIVA

Previous studies stress certain advantages of glass ionomer cements, f or use in bonding orthodontic brackets to teeth. Failure rate, however , had been higher than with conventional procedures. A new light-cured glass ionomer cement exhibited all the necessary qualities needed to bond brackets, without any etching and in the presence of saliva. The tensile strength of this cement exhibited enough resistance to forces needed to move teeth. The debonding procedures were also completely un damaging to the underlying enamel surfaces. On removal of the applianc es, no decalcification was observed on any teeth, because the cement r eleases fluoride. Both the time saved during a routine strap-up, plus the ease to both the operator and the patient, could make light-cured glass ionomer cement the ultimate choice for bonding techniques after many trials, this cement is now being routinely and successfully used on all patients.