Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of brackets and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) of Concise and Transbond XT composites with and without the use of a bonding agent. Methods: The sample consisted of 60 bovine incisors divided into four groups (n=15). All teeth were subjected to prophylaxis with pumice and enamel etching with phosphoric acid at 37%. In Groups 1 and 2 brackets were bonded with Concise composite with and without application of enamel bond resin, respectively. In Groups 3 and 4, Transbond XT was used with and without XT Primer application, respectively. In these latter groups bonding was light cured for 40 seconds. Specimen shear strength testing was performed on an Instron machine at 0.5 mm/min, and ARI was subsequently evaluated. Results: Shear bond strength in Group 4 was statistically higher than in Groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05) but not when compared to Group 3 (p>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between Groups 1, 2 and 3 (p>0.05). ARI in Group 3 was statistically higher than in Group 2 (p<0.05), but not statistically different from Groups 1 and 4 (p>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between Groups 1, 2 and 4 (p>0.05). Conclusion: The composites Concise and Transbond XT showed adequate bond strength with or without the use of their respective bonding agents. AbstractKeywords: Shear strength. Dental bonding. Orthodontics.

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