Brackets Detachment Without Primer Among Orthodontic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Objective To compare the bracket debonding with and without primer in orthodontic patients. Material and Methods This split-mouth randomized controlled trial was conducted on 42 participants. Diagonal quadrants were randomly assigned to either the primer (control) or non-primer (experimental) group. Allocation was concealed in opaque envelopes and revealed at the time of intervention. Both genders, aged 12–30 years, and visiting for the management of malocclusion were included. Patients with dental anomalies, caries, or restorations were excluded. The direct bonding technique was used for the placement of conventional metallic brackets. Participants were followed up for three months, with monthly visits, and bracket failure within each group was recorded. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds, with P ≤ 0.05 considered the level of significance. Results Mean age was 17.41 ± 3.533 years with 45.2% males. Between the two groups, bracket failure rate at first (P = 0.3), second (P = 0.4) and third month (P > 0.99) was differed statistically. The failure rates in the primer and non-primer groups (4.31% vs 5.9%) were similar (OR = 1.386; 95% CI = 0.98–3.34; P = 0.298). However, the failure rate was significantly higher in the non-primer group for males (P = 0.005) and younger age groups (P = 0.016). Conclusion The use of primer may lead to retention of brackets in male patients and younger ages. Trial registration This trial was not registered with any registry Registration: This study was not registered