ABSTRACT. Introduction: the objective of this study was to compare the debonding resistance and failure type observed in three materials used for band cementation by means of the universal testing machine and a stereomicroscope. Methods: 72 third lower molars were collected from patients who needed extractions; metal bands were cemented on them with a pre-soldered tube and internal etching (Bracket USED,). Finally, to determine failure type, a visual inspection was conducted using a stereomicroscope (Stemi 2000C, Carl Zeiss, Göttingen, Germany AXIOCAM Carl Zeiss Microimaging, Göttingen, Germany). Results: no statistically significant differences were found among the three study groups in terms of debonding resistance (p value = 0.119 (Stemi 2000C, Carl Zeiss, Göttingen, Germany AXIOCAM Carl Zeiss Microimaging, Góttingen, Germany). Resultados: en cuanto a la resistencia a la descementación, no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los tres grupos estudiados (valor p = 0,119 Piedra-Sarmiento LA, Ariza-Salas MC, Guzmán-Báez HJ, Zárate-Cadena F. Comparación de la resistencia a la descementación y el tipo de falla de tres cementantes de bandas en ortodoncia. Rev Fac Odontol Univ Antioq 2016; 28(1): 95-111. DOI: http: //dx.doi.