Effects of Orthodontic Adhesives on Dental Enamel Color Alteration Using Chemically Cured and Light-Cured Composites

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the color alteration of dental enamel following the use of light-cured and chemically cured composites for bonding of metal brackets.

Sixty extracted human premolars divided into five groups (n=12) were included in this study. Metal brackets were bonded using chemically cured (System 1+ and Unite) and light-cured (Transbond XT and Grengloo) composites. The control group remained untreated. After 72 hours of immersion in a staining solution and 24 hours of photoaging, the brackets were debonded, and adhesive remnants were cleaned using a 12-blade tungsten carbide bur and polished with Sof-Lex discs. The color was assessed at the baseline and after cleaning procedures in accordance with the CIE L*a*b (lightness, red/green, blue/yellow) color system. Statistical analyses were performed using paired sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

The L*, a*, and b* parameters showed a significant increase in all adhesive groups (P<0.001). The experimental groups showed significant color changes (P<0.05), and the mean ΔE ranged from 2.46 to 3.15 units. No significant difference was found between the ΔE of the adhesive groups (P>0.05).

The enamel color change is influenced by bonding and debonding procedures. Chemically cured and light-cured composites have similar effects on dental enamel color alterations.