53 - Comparison of efficacy of two indices (ARI and BARI) in assessing the orthodontic bond failure

Abstract

During orthodontic treatment if bracket failure occurs, it adversely affects the treatment outcome, prolongs treatment time, expenses and promotes patient discomfort. For quantifying such failures, indices such as the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) and Bracket Adhesive Remnant Index (BARI) have been used. Aim of this study is thus to compare the efficacy of ARI and BARI in assessing orthodontic bond failure patterns. This study was designed as a comparative, observational, in-vivo study. Sample size was calculated using Epi Info version 7.2 for matched pair designs. Inclusion criteria: Patients aged 12–30 years undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, good oral hygiene, no enamel surface defects and provided informed consent. Failed brackets were carefully removed, and the enamel surface was examined under dental loupes (5x magnification) by a calibrated examiner. The ARI (0–3) and BARI (0–5) scoring were used to measure the residual adhesive present on enamel following debonding. Mean ARI score was 1.06 ± 0.88, and BARI score was 2.34 ± 1.69. There was a significant difference between ARI and BARI scores (p < 0.001) recorded for the failed brackets. It is thus concluded that the BARI index was more sensitive to detect the remnants of the adhesive than ARI.