Comparison of a 3-step Bonding System (Transbond™ XT) and a 2-step System (GC Ortho Connect™) on Demineralization Around Maxillary Orthodontic Brackets

Introduction:

White spot lesions (WSLs) (localized, non-cavitated enamel demineralizations) represent one of the most frequent side effects of fixed orthodontic treatments. Clinically visible in up to 97% of patients undergoing labial orthodontic therapy, these lesions can emerge as early as the fourth week of treatment. They result from microleakage at the adhesive enamel interface, which facilitates bacterial colonization and acid production. Beyond their aesthetic impact, WSLs can compromise bracket adhesion and increase the risk of failure

Fixed orthodontic appliances modify the oral ecosystem, favoring plaque accumulation and hindering efficient brushing, particularly around complex elements such as ligatures, brackets, and springs. Consequently, WSLs constitute a significant clinical concern for both orthodontists and dental surgeons, as these lesions can persist five years after treatment completion.

Bonding Systems Under Investigation :

The conventional bonding protocol, Transbond™ XT, involves three steps: etching, primer application, and adhesive placement. Conversely, the GC Ortho Connect™ system integrates the primer directly into the adhesive, simplifying the bonding procedure to a single step following orthophosphoric acid etching. This reduced protocol minimizes saliva exposure time and enhances bonding strength.

Furthermore, GC Ortho Connect™ contains functional monomers such as 10-MDP (10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate), which chemically interacts with hydroxyapatite, forming a stable bond resistant to moisture. While some studies suggest this system reduces the risk of contamination and shortens chairside time, others report slightly deeper and larger lesions compared to the conventional three-step approach. Evidence remains contradictory, with several in vitro studies showing no significant difference in enamel quality between the two bonding systems.

Research Hypothesis and Objectives :

This clinical trial aims to determine whether a significant difference exists in enamel demineralization between a three-step (Transbond™ XT) and a two-step (GC Ortho Connect™) bonding system.

• Primary Objective: Compare the degree of enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets at debonding between the two systems using intraoral photographs (Enamel Decalcification Index, EDI) and fluorescence imaging (C50 Acteon camera).

• Secondary Objectives:
• Assess enamel demineralization before bonding, at 6 months, and at 12 months.
• Compare bracket failure rates throughout treatment.
• Evaluate plaque accumulation using the Silness and Löe plaque index.

Methodology :

A monocentric randomized split-mouth trial will be conducted at the Montpellier Dental Care Center. Each patient will serve as their own control:

One hemi-arch (control) bonded with Transbond™ XT (3-step system).

The opposite hemi-arch (experimental) bonded with GC Ortho Connect™ (2-step system).

Randomization will be stratified by gender and brushing hand dominance to reduce confounding factors. Inclusion criteria target minors aged 10-16 years requiring fixed labial metallic appliances.

The split-mouth design minimizes interindividual variability (e.g., enamel quality, saliva composition, hygiene habits) and increases statistical power. Additionally, enamel demineralization assessment will be conducted by a blinded examiner to ensure unbiased evaluation.

Conclusion :

This study proposes an innovative clinical comparison between two orthodontic bonding systems to assess their effects on enamel demineralization. If the simplified GC Ortho Connect™ system demonstrates similar or superior outcomes to the conventional Transbond™ XT, it could represent a time-saving, contamination-resistant, and more conservative alternative for orthodontic bonding procedures ultimately improving patient safety and clinical efficiency.

Inclusion criteria

• Patient aged 10 to 16 years included,
• Patient attending their first dentofacial orthopedics consultation at the Montpellier Dental Care Center, in adolescent or young adult dentition (according to Démogé classification),
• Patient requiring the placement of a bimaxillary multi-bracket treatment and opting for a metallic vestibular technique.

Exclusion criteria

• Syndromic patient (all syndromes included, e.g., cleft lip) or with a severe long-term condition (ALD),
• Patient previously treated with a multi-bracket orthodontic treatment using a mixed, lingual, or vestibular technique,
• Any medical condition deemed incompatible with bracket placement by the investigator,
• Patient with severe MIH (molar-incisor hypomineralization) and/or severe demineralization on one or more teeth (including severe amelogenesis imperfecta or dentinogenesis imperfecta),
• Patient with restorations such as metal crowns, ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, inlays, onlays, or amalgam on one or more vestibular surfaces,
• Patient with oral hygiene incompatible with orthodontic treatment,
• Agenesis of lateral incisors,
• Subject already participating in another interventional clinical trial that could interfere with this study,
• Uncontrolled psychiatric disorder,
• Lack of written informed consent from a legal representative after a reflection period,
• Lack of cooperation or difficulty in communication/comprehension, or refusal of participation by the minor,
• Subject with a dependency or employment relationship with the sponsor or investigator,
• Subject participating in another research study with an ongoing exclusion period,
• Subject not affiliated with the French social security system or not a beneficiary of such a system,
• Protected populations according to the French Public Health Code:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women Subjects deprived of liberty (by judicial, administrative decision, or involuntary hospitalization) Subjects under guardianship or curatorship