RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Does the new adhesive-coated APC™ Flash-Free bracket from the 3M Unitek® group simplify the bonding protocol without compromising precision? OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the morphology of the adhesive joint between the classic APC™ PLUS adhesive-coated brackets and APC™ Flash-Free brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro bonding of esthetic brackets in the CLARITY™ ADVANCED range was performed to compare the morphology of the excess flash between APC™ PLUS and APC™ Flash-Free brackets. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found concerning the morphology of the excess flash between APC™ PLUS and APC™ Flash-Free brackets. A statistically significant difference was found regarding the thickness of the adhesive between the two types of bracket. The adhesive used for the APC™ Flash-Free brackets was significantly thicker than for the APC™ PLUS brackets (P=0.0001). Adhesive thickness was also more homogeneous on the APC™ Flash-Free brackets (P=0.001 for the relative difference). CONCLUSION: The adhesive is thicker but adhesive homogeneity is greater with APC™ Flash-Free brackets than with APC™ PLUS brackets.