Effect of adhesive remnant removal on enamel topography after bracket debonding

INTRODUCTION:

At orthodontic treatment completion, knowledge about the effects of adhesive remnant removal on enamel is paramount.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed at assessing the effect of different adhesive remnant removal methods on enamel topography (ESI) and surface roughness (Ra) after bracket debonding and polishing.

METHODS:

A total of 50 human premolars were selected and divided into five groups according to the method used for adhesive remnant removal: high speed tungsten carbide bur (TCB), Sof-Lex discs (SL), adhesive removing plier (PL), ultrasound (US) and Fiberglass burs (FB). Metal brackets were bonded with Transbond XT, stored at 37^oC for 24 hours before debonding with adhesive removing plier. Subsequently, removal methods were carried out followed by polishing with pumice paste. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted with pre-bonding, post-debonding and post-polishing analyses. Results were submitted to statistical analysis with F test (ANOVA) and Tukey's (Ra) as well as with Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni tests (ESI) (P < 0.05).

RESULTS:

US Ra and ESI were significantly greater than TCB, SL, PL and FB. Polishing minimized Ra and ESI in the SL and FB groups.

CONCLUSION:

Adhesive remnant removal with SL and FB associated with polishing are recommended due to causing little damage to the enamel.

Orthodontic brackets; Dental enamel; Device removal