Use of jigs to standardise orthodontic bond testing

Objectives: The aim of this study was to test whether the use of jigs for in vitro orthodontic bond strength testing helped to standardise the technique. Methods: Two jigs were developed, one for mounting teeth with bonded brackets all in the same plane, and the second for debonding the brackets at 90 degrees to this plane. These jigs ensured the debonding force was applied in a controlled direction. Teeth mounted and debonded in this manner were compared with teeth tested with an existing protocol where the direction of the debonding force is not standardised. Results: Although the same material was tested in both groups the use of jigs produced much higher mean bond strengths, and a reduced spread in the distribution of the results. Conclusions: To allow more legitimate comparisons between products and approaches, orthodontic bond strength testing must be universally standardised. The use of jigs to accurately direct the plane of the debonding force reduces the wide variations in results often seen in laboratory bond testing, improving standardisation.