Polymerization capacity of orthodontic composites analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Introduction The aim of this in-vitro study was to analyze the polymerization capacity of 5 orthodontic composites by determining the degree of monomer conversion (DC). Methods Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the DC of the orthodontic composites immediately after polymerization and after storage in artificial saliva at 37°C ± 1°C for 30 days. The resin-based adhesive composites investigated were Bisco Ortho (Bisco, Schaumburg, Ill), Heliosit Orthodontics (Ivoclar, Schaan, Liechtenstein), Kurasper F (Kuraray, Okayama, Japan), Light Bond (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, Ill), and Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), cured with Elipar FreeLight 2 (3M ESPE, St Paul, Minn) for the testing of the DC values. Fifty cylindrical specimens were manufactured in molds. The data were analyzed by 2-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD test. Results According to 2-way ANOVA, the DC was significantly influenced by composite type ( P