To analyze the time taken for the bonding, degree of flash, marginal leakage, bond strength and Adhesive Remnant Index of APC flash free brackets and APC PLUS brackets. Materials and Methods: 80 extracted human teeth (group A: APC flash-free adhesive n = 40, group B: APC Plus adhesive n = 40) were used to evaluate all the parameters mentioned above. Results:The time needed for bonding differed significantly between the two groups (A: 22.8s/ tooth; B: 35.8 s/tooth). The adhesive excess ranged from 206.6 µm to 87.7 µm (group A) and 872.9 µm to 325.5 µm (group B). The marginal leakage was observed to be higher in group B. The mean shear bond strength of group A was found to be 12.7 Mpa while group B had shown 10.47 Mpa. The maximum percentage of the group A and group B sample had shown ARI of 2. All the parameters had shown significant difference (p< 0.05) between the two groups. Conclusion:The flash free brackets had significantly reduced the time taken for bonding, reduced the degree of flash and had shown adequate bond strength. The new technology seems to facilitate a smooth adhesive-bracket and adhesive-tooth surface, which clinically might improve reduction of plaque accumulation.

To investigate the relationship between permanent mandibular second molar calcification stages and cervical vertebrae skeletal maturity and to evaluate whether second molar calcification stages can be used as a reliable diagnostic tool to determine skeletal maturity. Materials and Methods: The Panoramic and intraoral periapical radiographs and lateral cephalogram of 240 subjects (120 males and 120 females) with age group between 8 to 17 years were examined. The Calcification stages of mandibular second molar were rated according to Demirjian index (DI) and skeletal maturity were determined using Cervical vertebrae maturation index (CVMI) given by Hassel and Farman. Results: A highly significant association was found between CVMI and DI. DI stage E corresponded to stage 2 of CVMI (pre-pubertal growth spurt). DI stages F and G corresponded to stage 3 and 4 of CVMI (pubertal growth spurt). DI Stage H corresponded to CVMI stage 5 and 6 (end of pubertal growth spurt). Conclusion: A highly significant association exists between DI and CVMI. Mandibular second molar DI stages can be used as a reliable indicator for growth evaluation in clinical practice.