A Clinical Investigation of the Effects of Omission of Pumice Prophylaxis on Band and Bond Failure

One hundred and twelve first molar bands and 614 directly bonded brackets on incisor, canine, and premolar teeth were included in a clinical trail to investigate the importance of omission of pumice prophylaxis at the time of banding and bonding, on their possible subsequent failure. Half of the sample were selected for the non-pumiced test groups using a random number allocation method, the remaining pumiced teeth acting as control groups. Two etch times were used for the direct bonding part of the study, 15 and 60 seconds, with non-pumiced test and pumiced control groups included within both etch-time groups. Results showed no statistical difference in the failure rate of attachments in either test or control groups during the course of treatment. The different etch times had no significant effects in the direct bonding part of the study.