This group of reserch deals with in vivo assessment of failure rate of various bonding protocols and adhesives as well as effect of techniques or brackets on characteristics of treatment including duration and dental effects.

The evidence reported revealed the inconsistency of claims of various manufacturers and suggested clinical treatment protocols based on the long-term observed effects of orthodontic treatment variables.

This research program utilized mechanical testing, metallographic etching, microhardness testing, SEM, and X-ray microtomography to reveal the surface and bulk morphology and structure of brackets of different composition and manufacturing process, i.e., laser-welding, metal-injection-molding (MIM) and Ni-, Au- and Ag-brazing. The ionic release from metals and alloys was studied and the significant biological implications were assessed. The relevant research attempted to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the release of ions and kinetics from 316L stainless steel, Ti6Al4V, cpTi and NiTi alloys employing inductively-Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission spectroscopy.

Adhesives in dentistry and especially orthodontics, provide the necessary retention of restorative materials or appliances to tooth structure. Bonding in orthodontic mainly involves Bis-GMA/TEGDMA-based polymers, applied on acid-treated enamel to provide micromechanical retention. Bond strength, monomer release and degree of cure of the polymeric adhesive are the variables, which modulate the clinical success and biological properties of the materials.

A significant portion of papers focused on the interfacial properties of the enamel-adhesive-bracket interface uder different loading conditions, enamel preparations and wetting conditions. Moisture-insensitive and water-activated adhesives have also been studied and the mechanics of bond strength experiments were analyzed.