A new one-step dental flowable composite for orthodontic use: an in vitro bond strength study

Abstract: A new flowable composite, Denfil FlowT, has shown an acceptable shear bond strength for bonding orthodontic brackets, when used with an intermediate, unfilled, low-viscosity resin. According to the manufacturer, it also shows a good viscosity for use with no preliminary adhesive. This could reduce the total time of bonding procedure while maintaining clinically useful bond strength. The aim of the current research was to assess this property. Eighty extracted human premolars were randomly divided into four equal groups. Stainless steel brackets were bonded to etched enamel using (1) Denfil Flow, (2) a traditional flowable composite (Dyract FlowT), (3) Denfil Flow composite resin and an intermediate liquid resin, and (4) Transbond XTT adhesive. Debonding was performed with a shearing force. The residual adhesive on the enamel surface was evaluated using the adhesive remnant index. The bond strength of Denfil Flow (34.8 MPa) showed no significant difference with the other control groups and was clinically acceptable. Denfil Flow and Dyract Flow tended to display cohesive failure within the adhesive. Denfil Flow can be used without liquid resin to reduce the bonding procedure time while maintaining acceptable bond strength. Further studies are required to evaluate the enamel surface of the teeth after the same polishing procedure in the four groups. (Angle Orthod 2005;75:574–579.) Key Words: Shear bond strength; Flowable composite; Orthodontic brackets