Abstract
There is currently no consensus on the best way to remove adhesive remnants from teeth following debonding. The main objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of four adhesive resin removal (clean-up) techniques, performed with or without the use of an operative microscope. Forty human teeth were duplicated using an epoxy resin for impregnation. Brackets were bonded to teeth and debonded from teeth. Then, the samples were randomly divided into two equal groups—the naked eye group and the magnification group—and further subdivided into four equal subgroups, in order to compare the different techniques used for the clean-up. Each subgroup was formed of five natural teeth with the respective pre- and post-bonding replicas. Macro- and micro-analysis by means of a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy evaluated, qualitatively and quantitatively, the adhesive remnant index and the damage index of the enamel. Overall, the magnification improved the removal of resins compared to the naked eye (p < 0.001), and the use of magnification constantly reduced resin residual and surface damage. Enamel damage and adhesive residual from the clean-up procedures represent an ascertained risk in orthodontics. The use of a magnification system improves the quality of debonding and clean-up techniques in a significant way.
Highlights
The end of orthodontic therapy with brackets coincides with two stages—debonding and clean-up—respectively characterized by the removal of brackets and by finishing and polishing the enamel’s surface
There are no established guidelines for either debonding or for clean-up [5,6,7], due to the lack of studies evaluating the enamel’s wear or residual resin remaining after various methods of bracket removal
The results of the study highlighted two fundamental principles: enamel damage and residual adhesive after clean-up procedures still represent an ascertained risk in orthodontics, and the use of a magnification system improves the quality of debonding and clean-up procedures in a significant way
Summary
The end of orthodontic therapy with brackets coincides with two stages—debonding and clean-up—respectively characterized by the removal of brackets and by finishing and polishing the enamel’s surface. There are no established guidelines for either debonding or for clean-up [5,6,7], due to the lack of studies evaluating (by means of quantitative analysis) the enamel’s wear or residual resin remaining after various methods of bracket removal. The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of four clean-up techniques, performed with or without the use of an operative microscope.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
