Introduction: In testing bond strengths, various storage media are used. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 6 storage media and rinsing on the shear bond strength of bonded orthodontic brackets.
Methods: Bovine teeth were stored in 6 storage media for 7 months before bonding: dry (no medium), filtered water, 10% formalin, 1% chloramine T, 10% chloramine T, isotonic saline solution, and 70% ethanol. These teeth were further subdivided into 2 groups; 1 group was rinsed with oil-free air and water spray before bonding orthodontic brackets, and the other group not rinsed. All specimens were tested in the shear-peel mode to failure.
Results: The 10% formalin rinsed sample had statistically significantly higher bond strength (16.9 +/- 6.56 MPa), and storage in ethanol (rinsed, 9.04 +/- 5.61 MPa; not rinsed, 9.08 +/- 3.5 MPa) and dry (8.34 +/- 3.80 MPa) produced significantly lower bond strengths. No difference was found between the other modes of storage or rinsing. The adhesive remnant index values showed no statistically significant difference between any groups.
Conclusions: For bond strength studies, storage media can have an effect on bond strength results. Dry, formalin, and ethanol storage should be avoided. Water, isotonic saline solution, and chloramine T storage produced comparable bond strengths. Rinsing or not rinsing had no effect on bond strength with these storage media.