Prototype to measure bracket debonding force in vivo.

INTRODUCTION: Material biodegradation that occurs in the mouth may interfere in the bonding strength between the bracket and the enamel, causing lower bond strength values in vivo, in comparison with in vitro studies. OBJECTIVE: To develop a prototype to measure bracket debonding force in vivo and to evaluate, in vitro, the bond strength obtained with the prototype. METHODS: A original plier (3M Unitek) was modified by adding one strain gauge directly connected to its claw. An electronic circuit performed the reading of the strain gauge, and the software installed in a computer recorded the values of the bracket debonding force, in kgf. Orthodontic brackets were bonded to the facial surface of 30 bovine incisors with adhesive materials. In Group 1 (n = 15), debonding was carried out with the prototype, while tensile bond strength testing was performed in Group 2 (n = 15). A universal testing machine was used for the second group. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was recorded. RESULTS: According to Student's t test (α = 0.05), Group 1 (2.96 MPa) and Group 2 (3.08 MPa) were not significantly different. ARI score of 3 was predominant in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The prototype proved to be reliable for obtaining in vivo bond strength values for orthodontic brackets.

Prototype to measure bracket debonding force in vivo

ABSTRACT Introduction: Material biodegradation that occurs in the mouth may interfere in the bonding strength between the bracket and the enamel, causing lower bond strength values in vivo, in comparison with in vitro studies. Objective: To develop a prototype to measure bracket debonding force in vivo and to evaluate, in vitro, the bond strength obtained with the prototype. Methods: A original plier (3M Unitek) was modified by adding one strain gauge directly connected to its claw. An electronic circuit performed the reading of the strain gauge, and the software installed in a computer recorded the values of the bracket debonding force, in kgf. Orthodontic brackets were bonded to the facial surface of 30 bovine incisors with adhesive materials. In Group 1 (n = 15), debonding was carried out with the prototype, while tensile bond strength testing was performed in Group 2 (n = 15). A universal testing machine was used for the second group. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was recorded. Results: According to Student’s t test (α = 0.05), Group 1 (2.96 MPa) and Group 2 (3.08 MPa) were not significantly different. ARI score of 3 was predominant in the two groups. Conclusion: The prototype proved to be reliable for obtaining in vivo bond strength values for orthodontic brackets.

RESUMO Introdução: a biodegradação de materiais que ocorre na cavidade bucal pode interferir na resistência de união entre o braquete e o esmalte, causando baixos valores de resistência de união in vivo, em comparação aos valores in vitro. Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi desenvolver um protótipo para mensurar, in vivo, a força de descolagem de braquetes e avaliar, in vitro, a resistência de união obtida com o uso do protótipo. Métodos: um alicate (3M Unitek) foi modificado por meio da adição de um extensômetro diretamente conectado à garra do alicate. Um circuito eletrônico realizou a leitura do extensômetro, e um software instalado em um computador registrou os valores de força de descolagem do braquete em kgf. Os braquetes ortodônticos foram colados com material adesivo na face vestibular de 30 dentes incisivos bovinos. No Grupo 1 (n = 15), a descolagem foi realizada com o protótipo, enquanto no Grupo 2 (n = 15) foi realizado teste de resistência de união à tração, utilizando-se uma máquina universal de ensaios. O índice de adesivo remanescente (ARI) foi analisado. Resultados: de acordo com o teste de t de Student (α = 0,05), os grupos 1 (2,96 MPa) e 2 (3,08 MPa) não foram estatisticamente diferentes. O escore 3 do ARI foi predominante nos dois grupos. Conclusão: o protótipo mostrou-se confiável para se obter, in vivo, os valores de resistência de união dos braquetes ortodônticos.

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Automatic DarkAdaptation Threshold Detection Algorithm.

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