Direct Bonding of Orthodontic Attachments to Teeth: The Relation of Adhesive Bond Strength to Gauze Mesh Size

Abstract

Filled diacrylate resins have been found to satisfactorily bond metal gauze-backed orthodontic attachments directly to enamel. Polymeric materials do not bond to stainless steel and usually gauze is welded to brackets and other attachments to provide mechanical retention. Gauzes of various mesh sizes were welded to orthodontic buttons and the bond strength to etched human enamel determined. It was found that the mesh size of the gauze affects the bond strength between the orthodontic button and enamel.