Light Curing Research Articles

A Compact Microwave-Driven UV Lamp for Dental Light Curing

The size of current microwave-driven UV lamps limits their direct application in dental light curing. This article proposes a coaxial structure to miniaturize the UV lamp. First, the Drude model and the finite difference time domain algorithm were used to analyze the multi-physical field coupling and the complex field distribution within the lamp. Second, the dimensional parameters of the lamp were optimized, which enabled the lamp to be miniaturized and operate with high performance. Third, to analyze the sensitivity of the lamp, the effects of input power, gas pressure, and gas composition on its performance were investigated. It was found that an input power of 6 watts was enough to light the bulb with over 90% energy utilization. Finally, to verify the feasibility, an experimental system was set up. The lamp was successfully lit in the experiment, and its spectral output was tested. The results show that the microwave-driven UV lamp based on a coaxial structure is miniaturized and broad-spectrum, making it suitable for clinical dental light curing.

The Effect of Two Types of Erbium Laser and Light Cure Fluoride Varnish on Enamel Demineralization and Surface Microhardness around Metal Orthodontic Brackets: An in-Vitro study

The Effect of Two Types of Erbium Laser and Light Cure Fluoride Varnish on Enamel Demineralization and Surface Microhardness around Metal Orthodontic Brackets: An in-Vitro study

Bacterial contamination of curing light guides: prevalence and students’ knowledge and awareness of measures to maintain sterility

It is generally accepted that inadequately sterilized dental curing light guides pose risks of infection and cross contamination.To determine the presence and level of bacterial contamination among curing light guides used by students during patient care at a dental school in South Africa and to describe students’ knowledge and awareness of measures used to maintain their sterility. A two-part descriptive study consisting of microbiological testing and a cross-sectional survey. Swabs were collected from curing light guide tips before and after use for aerobic culture and a questionnaire was used to collect data pertaining to students’ knowledge and awareness of measures used to maintain their sterility. The prevalence of contamination increased after use (54.5% vs 45.5%). Grades of bacterial growth higher than 1+ were not detected. Isolated bacteria were contaminants. The response rate for the questionnaire was 42.5%. Fifth-year students were overall more knowledgeable than fourth-year students (81.6% vs 67.5%) and were more aware of the existence of the different types of disposable barriers (27.5% vs 12.8%) and the impact of infection control barriers on curing light intensity (52.4% vs 15%). Contamination occurred despite high levels of knowledge and awareness of the risk.

Color Stability Assessment of Three Different Resin Composites After Polymerization with Two Different Light-Curing Units

Purpose: Despite improvements in resin composite structures, color stability remains a challenge, and esthetic problems are the most common factors in renewing restorations. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two light-curing units on the color stability of three different resin composite materials during a six-month period.
 Materials & Methods: Three different resin composites (Filtek Z550, Filtek Ultimate Flowable, Filtek Bulk Fill Restorative) with an A2 color shade were prepared for each combination of resin composite-curing unit (5x2mm) for a total of 30 specimens. Specimens were cured with either QTH Hilux Ultraplus (700mW/cm2) for 40 seconds or Radii Plus LED Curing Light (1400mW/cm2) for 20 seconds. For standardization of the amount of transmitted energy to the composite, all specimens received 28J/cm2. Color parameters were measured with a colorimeter (Minolta CR-321, Konica Minolta Sensing Pte Ltd, Singapore) after polymerization and at 24 hours, first week, first month, third month, and sixth month. Color changes(∆E) were calculated for the different storage periods. One-factor repeated three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the changes in ΔE measurements over time for different fillers and devices.
 Results: Significant differences between composites and periods were observed in the color stability with polymerization either QTH or LED. Independently of the composites, there was no significant difference at the end of six months between QTH and LED units with a fixed energy density. The Filtek Z550 material showed the smallest and the Filtek Ultimate Flowable material showed the highest ∆E values at the end of the six months among the materials used.
 Conclusion: Clinically acceptable color changes were observed for all the materials at the end of six months.

Efficient Photopolymerization of Dental Resin Composites Using the Photoluminescent Long Afterglow of Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3.

Dental curing light with blue emission acts as the excitation source for the photopolymerization of the dental composite resin to achieve dental repairing. However, the current repair methods still suffer from a low monomer conversion degree and incomplete resin curing. In this study, novel dental resin composites (DRCs) were prepared by combining Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+ (SMSED), a photoluminescent material with a blue long afterglow, and dental resin composites. The curing depth, double bond conversion, elastic modulus, compressive strength, water absorption and solubility, and cytotoxicity were investigated systematically. The results suggest that adding 1 wt % SMSED to dental resin composites can maximize the curing depth and double bond conversion rate of DRCs and reduce its water absorption capacity without affecting the mechanical properties and biological toxicity. This work explores the practical applications of SMSED in dental resin composites, which provides an important reference for further improving the effect of dental caries repair.

Degree of Conversion and Mechanical Properties of a Commercial Composite with an Advanced Polymerization System.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion and mechanical properties of a commercial composite with an advanced polymerization system (APS) and compare it to other composites that do not use this system. Five groups were analyzed. Group 1 (VT: Vittra APS - FGM); G2 (AU: Aura - SDI); G3 (ES: Quick Sigma Stelite - TOKOYAMA); G4 (FZ: Filtek Z350 XT - 3M ESPE); G5 (OP: Opallis -FGM). Degree of conversion (DC, n=3) was analyzed immediately and after 24h by analysis with FTIR spectroscopy. For Knoop hardness (KHN, n=3), 5 indentations were made at the top and bottom of specimens 2 mm thick. Flexural strength (FS, n=10) was determined by the three-point method in a universal testing machine. Polymerization stress (PS) was determined by light-curing the material (1.0 mm high) between polymethylmethacrylate rods in a universal testing machine. Light curing was performed with a Valo Cordless LED (1,000 mW/cm2 x 20 s: 20J). The results were analyzed using ANOVA and complemented by Tukey's test (α=0.05). The highest DC values (immediate and 24h after) were observed for VT and OP resins, followed by FZ, AU and ES. FZ (top and bottom) had the highest KHN values, similar to VT top. AU, ES, OP and VT had statistically different KHN between their top and bottom surfaces. The highest RF values were observed for FZ, followed by OP/VT, ES and AU. The highest TP values were observed for FZ, OP and VT. The Vittra APS resin with a new polymerization system presents satisfactory performance for the parameters evaluated.

Development of a Boron Nitride-Filled Dental Adhesive System.

There is a dearth of adhesive systems capable of forming stable bonds between restorative materials and tooth surfaces. To address the concern, this study determined the effects of using methacrylate-functionalized boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) in a polymeric dental adhesive system. The bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (BisGMA):2 hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) (60:40) adhesive monomer blend with a photoinitiator was filled with 0 wt% (control), 0.1 wt%, and 1 wt% BNNSs and light cured. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to determine the conversion degree of monomer double bonds (DoC). Water absorption and solubility were measured. Flexural strength and Youngs's modulus were evaluated to determine the mechanical properties of the composite adhesive system. Finally, dentin bond strength degradation and fracture mode were quantified with a microtensile bond test to confirm the bonding ability of the developed adhesive system. Results showed that the incorporation of BNNSs increased DoC (9.8% and 5.4% for 0.1 and 1 wt%, respectively), but it did not affect water sorption (101.9-119.72 (µg/mm3)), solubility (2.62-5.54 (µg/mm3)), Young's modulus (529.1-1716.1 MPa), or microtensile bond strength (46.66-54.72 MPa). Further studies are needed with varying BNNS loading percentages from 0.1 wt% to 1 wt% in order to more comprehensively determine the effect of BNNSs on dental adhesives.

Comparative Effects of Three Bleaching Techniques on Tooth Discoloration Caused by Tea.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of three different bleaching protocols on tooth discoloration caused by tea. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted sound premolars were cleaned, disinfected, and their initial color parameters were measured (T1). The teeth were then immersed in boiled tea solution for 24 hours, and their color was measured again (T2). The samples were divided into four groups of 10 teeth each. Group A was treated with an in-office bleaching gel followed by 30 seconds of light curing. Groups B, C, and D were respectively treated with 0.24M oxalic acid followed by bleaching gel, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite followed by bleaching gel, and a combination of 0.24M oxalic acid, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, and bleaching gel. The color was measured once more after the interventions (T3). Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA, paired sample t-test, and Tukey's test. Results: The mean color change (∆E2) between T2 and T3 was significantly higher in group D compared to group A (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in color change between groups A, B, and C. Additionally, there was no significant difference in color change between groups B, C, and D. The groups also showed significant differences in ∆L (P=0.007), with the only significant difference found between groups B and C (P=0.001). Conclusion: The combined use of sodium hypochlorite and oxalic acid followed by in-office bleaching gel is more effective than bleaching alone in correcting tooth discoloration caused by tea. This protocol can further reduce yellow coloration.

Effect of Attenuated Light Through Translucent Zirconia on the Interfacial Adaptation and Polymerization of Resin Cements.

The first objective was to determine if dual-curing of resin cement with reduced light could affect interfacial adaptations of zirconia restoration. The second objective was to examine whether cement type and pretreatment method of universal adhesive affected interfacial adaptation. The final objective was to compare the polymerization degree of cement under different reduced-light conditions. Inlay cavities were prepared on extracted third molars. Translucent zirconia restorations were milled using Katana UTML (Kuraray Noritake) in three groups with restoration thicknesses of 1, 2, and 3 mm, respectively. Each group had three subgroups using different cementation methods. For subgroup 1, restorations were cemented with self-adhesive cement. For subgroup 2, universal adhesive was applied and light cured. After the restoration was seated with conventional resin cement, light curing was performed. For subgroup 3, after adhesive was applied, the restoration was seated with conventional resin cement. Light curing was performed for the adhesive and cement simultaneously. After thermocycling, interfacial adaptation at the restoration-tooth interface was investigated using swept-source optical coherence tomography imaging. Finally, polymerization shrinkage of the cement was measured using a linometer and compared under the conditions of different zirconia thicknesses and light-curing durations. Interfacial adaptation varied signficantly depending on the zirconia thickness, pretreatment, polymerization mode and cements used (p < 0.05). The effects of the adhesive and polymerization shrinkage differed signficantly, depending on the reduced light under the zirconia (p < 0.05). Lower curing-light irradiance may lead to inferior adaptation and lower polymerization of the cement. Polymerization of resin cement can differ depending on the light irradiance and exposure duration.

Impact of Shelf-Life Simulation on a Self-Adhesive Composite: Polymerization Kinetics, Chemical and Color Stability.

To determine the polymerization kinetics and color stability of a self-adhesive and conventional resin composite after accelerated shelf-life simulation. Two composites were tested - universal Filtek Z250 (3M Oral Care) and self-adhesive Constic (DMG). They were stored for 2 months in an incubator to simulate an Arrhenius aging model (60°C) and tested at 5 different time points. Polymerization kinetics (n = 3) were studied using an attenuated total reflectance technique (ATR), through continuous FTIR spectral acquisition (20 min). Spectra were obtained before, during and after 20 s of light curing. With the spectral data, qualitative analysis was performed yielding chemical stability, and quantitative data including extrapolated degree of conversion (DCmax) and polymerization rate (Rpmax) were assessed. To evaluate color stability (n = 3), a spectrophotometer was used to record CIELAB color parameters. Inferential statistics, including repeated measures two-way ANOVA were carried out at a significance level of 5%. The composites did not appear to undergo significant chemical changes after 2 months of accelerated aging. There was a significant impact of aging on the mean DCmax (p < 0.001). Similarly, a reduction in Rpmax, measured for both composites, was also noted (ANOVA; Z = 203.7; p < 0.001). The two-way ANOVA confirmed that the composite had no influence on the color stability (F = 0.94; p = 0.34), while aging did (p = 0.013). Minimal changes in absorbance levels were noted for both composites, without overly affecting their chemical composition. The presence of an acidic monomer did not seem to potentiate the degradation of the self-adhesive composite. This composite even showed greater color stability after aging.

Color Stability of Pediatric Restorative Material Over Pediatric Drug Formulation.

To investigate the color stability of light-cured (LC) restorative material in different pediatric drug formulations. Two distinct restorative materials, specifically LC resin and LC glass ionomer cement (GIC), were employed to create 88 disc-shaped specimens. These comprised 44 specimens fabricated from each material. Each specimen had a diameter of 5 mm and a height of 3 mm. To conduct the experiment, specimens were randomly allocated into four experimental groups, each containing 11 specimens made of each material. This division was accomplished through the use of a stratified random sampling method.The five experimental groups and their respective liquid medications were as follows: Group 1 - montelukast sodium and levocetirizine dihydrochloride syrup, Group 2 - cefixime, Group 3 - sodium valproate, and Group 4 - metronidazole. To ensure thorough exposure to the medications, all samples underwent a two-minute agitation cycle, which was repeated every 12 h over the course of one week. Following the immersion period, the color stability of all specimens was assessed using a spectrophotometer. The data obtained from the color stability measurements were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by a post hoc test. The aim was to determine whether significant differences in color stabilitywere observed among the groups studied. The mean values and standard deviations of ΔE were calculated. The highest values of ΔE were observed in Group 3 (4.70 ± 1.89), followed by Group 4 (4.04 ± 2.10). Conversely, the lowest ΔE values were observed in Group 2 (3.23 ± 2.02) and Group 1 (3.24 ± 2.31). The calculated p-value was 0.298, and the F-value was 1.269. This study concludes that both restorative materials, LC composite and LC GIC, are susceptible to discoloration. Sodium valproate exhibited the greatest staining effect on both materials. Conversely, cefixime had the least impact on the color of the LC composite, whereas montelukast had the least effect on the color of LC GIC.

The Effects of Polyaniline Nanofibers and Graphene Flakes on the Electrical Properties and Mechanical Properties of ABS-like Resin Composites Obtained by DLP 3D Printing.

Three-dimensional printing is regarded as a future-oriented additive manufacturing technology that is making significant contributions to the field of polymer processing. Among the 3D printing methods, the DLP (digital light processing) technique has attracted great interest because it requires a short printing time and enables high-quality printing through selective light curing of polymeric materials. In this study, we report a fabrication method for ABS-like resin composites containing polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers and graphene flakes suitable for DLP 3D printing. As-prepared ABS-like resin composite inks employing PANI nanofibers and graphene flakes as co-fillers were successfully printed, obtaining highly conductive and mechanically robust products with the desired shapes and different sizes through DLP 3D printing. The sheet resistance of the 3D-printed composites was reduced from 2.50 × 1015 ohm/sq (sheet resistance of pristine ABS-like resin) to 1.61 × 106 ohm/sq by adding 3.0 wt.% of PANI nanofibers and 1.5 wt.% of graphene flakes. Furthermore, the AP3.0G1.5 sample (the 3D-printed composite containing 3.0 wt.% of PANI nanofibers and 1.5 wt.% of graphene flakes) exhibited 2.63 times (22.23 MPa) higher tensile strength, 1.47 times (553.8 MPa) higher Young's modulus, and 5.07 times (25.83%) higher elongation at break values compared to the pristine ABS-like resin with a tensile strength of 8.46 MPa, a Young's modulus of 376.6 MPa, and an elongation at break of 5.09%. Our work suggests the potential use of highly conductive and mechanically robust ABS-like resin composites in the 3D printing industry. This article not only provides optimized DLP 3D printing conditions for the ABS-like resin, which has both the advantages of the ABS resin and the advantages of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), but also presents the effective manufacturing process of ABS-like resin composites with significantly improved conductivity and mechanical properties.

Color Stability and Degree of Conversion of Light-cured Resin Cements

Objective: To evaluate the color stability and degree of conversion of light-cured resin cement with different activator-initiator systems using LED lights with different wavelengths (polywave x monowave). Materials and Methods: Sixteen resin cement samples were made using a circular silicone matrix (7 mm diameter, 0.5 mm thickness) for each of the following tested materials: Variolink Esthetic LC (Ivoclar, color Light+); RelyX Veneer (3M ESPE, color A1); Filtek Z350XT flow resin (3M ESPE, color A1); Allcem Veneer APS (FGM, color A1); NX3 Light cure (Kerr, color A1). Half of the samples were photocured with a monowave LED light (Elipar Deep Cure), and the other half with a polywave LED light (Valo Grand). The initial color of each cement was measured using a high translucency ceramic sample simulating ceramic venner. Color measurements were performed with a reflectance colorimetric spectrophotometer and the data was collected according to the CIE L* a* b* system in two steps. The degree of conversion was measured using an infrared spectrometer by Fourier transform (FTIR / ATR) and the absorbance method. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA repeated measures and Tukey’s post hoc tests (p &lt;0.05). Results: For the color analysis, there were no significant differences between the cement related to time versus light curing (p = 0.084) and also related to time versus cement versus light curing (p = 0.142). Among the factors, there was only a statistically significant difference for the type of cement (p &lt;0.01). In contrast, for the photocuring device (p = 0.504) and the interaction between them (p = 0.738), there was no significant difference. For the degree of conversion analysis, it showed a statistically significant difference for both factors, resin cements (p &lt;0.01) and light curing units (p &lt;0.01). Conclusion: The color stability of RelyX cement is low compared to other cements, while Variolink cement presented the best degree of the conversion value.

Comparison of Surface Microhardness of the Flowable Bulk-Fill Resin and the Packable Bulk-Fill Resin according to Light Curing Time and Distance

Comparison of Surface Microhardness of the Flowable Bulk-Fill Resin and the Packable Bulk-Fill Resin according to Light Curing Time and Distance

Release of Monomers from Dental Composite Materials into Saliva and the Possibility of Reducing the Toxic Risk for the Patient.

Background and Objectives: The objective of this study was (1) to measure the amount of monomers released into the saliva depending on the time elapsed after the hardening of the composite and on the type of monomer used; and (2) with the prolongation of the light-curing procedure, to publish information on whether it would be possible to influence the level of leached monomers. Materials and Methods: HPLC technique was used to monitor the levels of the unpolymerized monomers Bis-GMA, Bis/EMA, TEGDMA, and UDMA from the four commonly used composite materials, released into the saliva of a volunteer with intact dentition. The levels were monitored in 3 time periods during 24 h after composite hardening. From every composite material, 4 samples were formed and cured with an LED lamp for 10 s, 20 s, 40 s, and 60 s. After the light curing, the same polishing procedure was used and the samples were leached in blank saliva samples. Results: We observed that every monitored composite material eluted monomers into the saliva after its application. The amount of monomers depended on the time elapsed after the curing of the composite and on the type of composite used. A 40 s LED curing procedure can reduce the amount of leached monomers in comparison with the standard 20 s procedure, especially for monomers of higher molecular weight. Conclusions: Our study confirmed the hypothesis that the release of monomers gradually decreases with increasing time after the hardening of the composite filling.

The effect of an extra hydrophobic resin layer on the bond strength and durability of one-step universal adhesives used as a primer

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of an extra hydrophobic resin layer (EHL) on the bond strength and durability of three different pH one-step universal adhesives (UAs) utilized in self-etch (SE) mode, and to explore whether UAs can be used as a primer in two-step bonding system. MethodsThree different pH UAs were utilized: G-Premio Bond (GPB), Scotchbond Universal (SBU), All-Bond Universal (ABU), while the bonding agent of Clearfil SE Bond 2 (SE2) was selected as the EHL. For the EHL groups, EHL was applied after the air blow of each UA and before light curing. The microtensile bond strength (μTBS), fracture modes, interfacial structures and nanoleakage (NL) were evaluated after 24 h water storage and after 15,000 thermal cycling (TC). Elastic modulus (EM) and hardness (H) was tested by a nanoindenter after 24 h. ResultsSignificantly higher μTBS was achieved in the GPB+EHL group compared with GPB both at 24 h and after 15,000 TC, while the additional use of EHL did not improve the μTBS of SBU and ABU significantly both at 24 h and after 15,000 TC. GPB+EHL demonstrated lower NL than GPB. The mean EM and H of the adhesive layer in GPB+EHL was significantly decreased compared with GPB. ConclusionsThe results indicated that the bond strength and durability of low pH one-step UA (GPB) were significantly improved by additional application of EHL both at 24 h and after 15,000 TC, while no significant improvement was observed for ultra-mild one-step UAs (SBU and ABU). Clinical significanceThis study indicates that GPB can be used as a primer in a two-step bonding system, while SBU and ABU may not be as effective. These findings may help guide clinicians in selecting the appropriate UAs and bonding techniques for different clinical scenarios.

A Review of the Stereo lithography 3D Printing Process and the Effect of Parameters on Quality

Stereo lithography (SLA) three-dimensional (3D) printing process is a type of additive manufacturing techniques that uses digital models from computer-aided design to automatically produce customized 3D objects. Around 30 years, it has been widely utilized in the manufacturing, design, engineering, industrial sectors and its applications in dentistry for manufacturing prosthodontics are very important. The stereo lithography technology is highly regarded because it can produce items with excellent precision especially when selecting the best process parameters. This review article offers a useful and scientific summary of SLA three-dimensional printing technology and its brief history. The specific type of 3D printers which is SLA type based on light curing resin and material overview is also presented. Moreover, the survey was conducted to gain substantial knowledge of the various advantages and disadvantages of SLA 3D printing. According to this study, a summary has been specified on the accuracy of SLA 3D printers and various factors that affected its accuracy and dimension measurement namely layer thickness, normal exposure time, bottom or top exposure time, post processing and room temperature. The majority of works in the literatures conducted till date are on improving the physical part attributes like dimensional accuracy and surface roughness but the improving of the mechanical properties have received less attention and need more focusing in the future works.

Impact of a High-Power Light-Emitting Diode Unit With Reduced Curing Times on the Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets and Their Adhesive Remnant Index Scores.

This study aims to evaluate the curing time minimally required for bonding stainless-steel (SS) brackets using a high-power light-emitting diode (LED) light curing unit (LCU) and examine the debonded enamel surface for adhesive remnant. Based on the LED LCU and curing time employed, 80 human maxillary first premolar teeth were equally segregated into four groups. Three groups were cured using a high-power LED unit (Guilin Woodpecker Medical Instrument Co., Ltd., Guilin, Guangxi, China) for one, two, and three seconds. The fourth group served as a control and was bonded with another intensive LED unit (Elipar™ S10 LED Curing Light; 3M, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States) for 20 seconds. Transbond™ XT Light Cure Adhesive (3M, United States) adhesive was used for bonding the SS brackets. All the samples were exposed to shear bond strength (SBS) testing after a 24-hour immersion period in distilled water at 37°C. A stereomicroscope was used to examine and score the adhesive remnant on the debonded surface using a modified adhesive remnant index (ARI). Kruskal-Wallis-ANOVA and post-hoc Mann-Whitney U tests for multiple pairwise comparisons were performed to analyze the data. Time and intensity significantly affected the SBS (P<0.001). A higher SBS value (16.04 megapascals (MPa)) was obtained in the six-second group when compared to the three-second (11.58 MPa), one-second (10.69 MPa), and 20-second control (13 MPa) groups. The ARI was significantly affected by the curing method. Higher SBSs were recorded for the six-second group using the high-power LED. A greater ARI score is associated with a reduced curing duration and vice versa.

A pilot study of occupational exposure to ultrafine particles during 3D printing in research laboratories.

3D printing is increasingly present in research environments, and could pose health risks to users due to air pollution and particulate emissions. We evaluated the nanoparticulate emissions of two different 3D printers, utilizing either fused filament fabrication with polylactic acid, or stereolithography (SLA) with light curing resin. Nanoparticulate emissions were evaluated in two different research environments, both by environmental measurements in the laboratory and by personal sampling. The SLA printer had higher nanoparticulate emissions, with an average concentration of 4,091 parts/cm3, versus 2,203 particles/cm3 for the fused filament fabrication printer. The collected particulate matter had variable morphology and elemental composition with a preponderance of carbon, sulfur and oxygen, the main byproducts. Our study implies that when considering the health risks of particulate emissions from 3D printing in research laboratories, attention should be given to the materials used and the type of 3D printer.

Evaluation of the Flash-Free Adhesive System for a 6-month Period: A Split-Mouth Trial.

To compare the adhesive pre-coated (APC) flash-free (FF) appliance system (3M Unitek) with an operator-coated (OC) system (Transbond XT Light Cure Adhesive Paste; 3M Unitek) in terms of bond failure, bracket survival, and chair time. This single-center study was planned with 30 non-extraction patients, 22 females and 8 males with an average age of 17 years and 5 months. A split-mouth design was used, and bonding time, failed brackets, reasons for failure, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were noted. The data were analyzed with the chi-square, Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, and Mann-Whitney U tests. OC and FF adhesive-coated brackets demonstrated bond failure rates of 0.7% and 3.0%, respectively. Failure rates and survival rates presented a statistically significant difference (p=0.033). Although higher bond failure for the lower arch along with higher bond failure for the incisor teeth compared with the premolar teeth were found, these findings were not statistically significant (p=0.128; p=0.261, respectively). The effect of gender on the bond failure rate (p=0.463) and survival rate (p=0.473) was not statistically significant. A significant difference was obtained for the ARI scores (p=0.011). The bonding time for each bracket type (64.43 seconds for FF versus 98.97 seconds for OC) demonstrated a significant difference (p=0.174). The bond failure rate was higher for the FF APC brackets, but the chair time reduction during bonding was recorded. Therefore, it seems that FF APC brackets are promising. Trial registration: ISRCTNand ISRCTN26731749. Registered October 7, 2020-Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN26731749.