Bond strengths of five different ceramic brackets: an in vitro study.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the bond strengths to enamel obtained in shear/peel and tensile/peel modes of testing using five different ceramic brackets and two different light-cured composites. The site of failure was also examined. Shear/peel bond strength was significantly affected by adhesive type, with Heliosit having higher mean bond strengths than Prismafil. Bond strength was significantly affected by bracket type; the highest mean bond strength in both tests being attained using Transcend with Heliosit. All brackets resisted shear/peel forces better than tensile/peel forces. High bond strengths are associated with an increased incidence of bracket and enamel fractures with Transcend and Starfire.