Femtosecond laser settings for optimal bracket bonding to zirconia.

Abstract

Bonding orthodontic brackets to ceramic materials is a challenging procedure; femtosecond (FS) laser conditioning could provide improved results, but the ideal settings for effective bracket-zirconia bonding have never been established. This study aimed to analyze the differences in surface roughness and shear bond strength (SBS) produced by different femtosecond laser settings and establish a protocol to prepare zirconia surfaces for optimal adhesion to metal orthodontic brackets. One hundred eighty zirconia samples were assigned to six groups according to surface treatment: (1) control; (2) air-particle abrasion (APA); (3) FS laser irradiation (300mW output power, 60μm inter-groove distance); (4) FS laser irradiation (200mW, 100μm); (5) FS laser irradiation (40mW, 60μm); and (6) FS laser irradiation (200mW, 60μm). Surface roughness was measured. Orthodontic brackets were bonded to the zirconia specimens, and SBS was measured. SBS in groups 3 and 6 was significantly higher than the other groups (5.92 ± 1.12MPa and 5.68 ± 0.94MPa). No significant differences were found between groups 1, 2, 4, and 5 (3.87 ± 0.77MPa, 4.25 ± 0.51MPa, 3.74 ± 0.10MPa, and 3.91 ± 0.53MPa). Surface roughness was significantly greater for FS laser than for control and APA groups (p = 1.28 × 10-8). FS laser at 200mW, 60μm can be recommended as the ideal settings for treating zirconia surfaces, producing good SBS and more economical energy use.