Effect of fluoridated paste on the failure rate of precoated brackets bonded with self-etching primer: a prospective split-mouth study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective randomized clinical trial was to determine the effect of using fluoridated paste (Dentsply, York, Pa) compared with plain pumice (Ortho Technology, Tampa, Fla) on the clinical bond failure rates of precoated brackets bonded with self-etching primer. METHODS: A split-mouth technique was used. The teeth in the maxillary right and mandibular left quadrants were prepared with a fluoridated paste only, and the teeth in the maxillary left and mandibular right quadrants were prepared with plain pumice before bonding the precoated brackets. A total of 627 brackets in 34 orthodontic patients (20 female, 14 male) were included in this study; 315 brackets were bonded after pumice treatment, and 312 were bonded after paste treatment. The patients were followed for 6 months to determine the rates of bracket failure. RESULTS: The overall failure rate was 8%. The failure rates for pumice and paste were 4.8% and 11.2%, respectively. The McNemar test showed a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. Based on tooth type, the failure rate of the maxillary canine and the mandibular central incisor brackets were significantly different for paste and pumice. There was also a difference in the survival rates of the brackets in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preparation of the enamel surface with fluoridated paste before bonding with self-etching primer is not recommended. However, the use of plain pumice is recommended, even if it is time-consuming.