Dentistry

Abstract

SLER (Soft Light Energy Release) - A Novel Curing Technology For Orthodontic Bracket Bonding

Fusco R, d’Apuzzo F, De Santis R, Prisco D, Perillo L and Grassia V

Bracket bonding procedures with composite photo-cured materials are commonly used in orthodontics to improve clinical performance and reduce treatment time. Ceramic brackets are frequently applied in combination with composite photo-cured materials to improve aesthetics. Since bond strength depends on the light curing process, in dentistry a new technology named Soft Light Energy Release (SLER®) has been introduced to allow thermal control of the curing process by softly decreasing light energy in the final step of the irradiation period. The aim of this study was to test the SLER® technology in orthodontics. Eighty ceramic brackets were bonded on the enamel facial surface of freshly extracted central lower bovine incisors with light cured composite materials. They were randomly divided into two groups: one using standard light curing (group A) and the other SLER® curing technology (group B), both providing the same energy dose. An Instron digital torsiometer determined the bonding strength. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the two groups. Group B with the SLER® showed a greater bonding strength compared to the Group A with standard light curing. The findings suggested that SLER® improves the bonding strength of orthodontic brackets when using light cured composite materials.