OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the topography of the tooth enamel after debonding Allure ceramic brackets using two different methods. METHODS: Twenty bovine permanent lower incisors were divided into two groups (n = 10). In groups A and B Allure ceramic brackets were bonded to the teeth using Concise composite according to manufacture’s recommendations. After the bonding procedures, the samples were kept in stove at 37ºC for 24 hours for complete composite polymerization. Next, the brackets of group A were removed by using wire pliers, whereas the brackets of group B, which had been previously weakened with diamond drill, were debonded by using How-type pliers. In both groups the composite remnant was removed by using a tungsten carbide-tipped drill. Following the debonding procedures, the samples were prepared for scanning electronic microscopy so that their enamel surfaces could be analyzed. RESULTS AND COCLUSION: showing more scratch marks on the surfaces of the group A teeth were statistically superior to those found in group B (p < 0.05). Therefore, it was observed that the use of How-type pliers for debonding pre-weakened brackets caused less scratches on the enamel surface, which supports their clinical use.
Orthodontic bracket debonding; Enamel topography; Pliers
