The effect of crosshead speed, load cell configuration and curing time on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the effect of crosshead speed, load cell configuration and curing time on shear bond strengths. Methods: 160 human molars were divided into equal groups of 20 second and 40 second photopolymerization times and then into 1kN or 10kN load cell groups. Each of the groups were divided into 0.5mm/min or 5mm/min crosshead speeds. Results: Regarding photopolymerization time (20s vs. 40s) and crosshead speeds (0.5mm/min vs. 5.0mm/min) there were no significant differences in SBS (p>0.05). The load cell configuration (1kN vs. 10kN) however showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) with the 1kN producing higher bond strengths.