Abstract
Fixed orthodontic therapies include several procedures that can affect the enamel surface. The aim of this study was to assess the action of composite resin on the surface of the tooth through variation of enamel changes after debonding metal and ceramic brackets, by means of scanning electron microscopy. An in vitro study was conducted on 48 human premolar specimens, which were extracted within a period of two months for orthodontic purposes. On half of them, metal brackets were bonded, and on the other half, ceramic brackets (Al2O3) were bonded, using light cure adhesive paste and a two-step, etch-and-bonding technique. The brackets were debonded after 24 h using a straight debonding plier. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was determined by visual observation of the specimen. Post-debonding scans were aligned with the baseline, and the surfaces’ changes were quantified. A quantitative analysis was made on the debonded brackets to determine the presence or absence of enamel on the base pad. Evaluation of pre-bonded and post-clean-up enamel surface revealed no crack and increased roughness in both ceramic and metal brackets, which was higher for the ceramic ones. The enameled band (perikymata), artificial caries, or the superficial fissures revealed in the pretreatment stage were replaced with the loss of the prismatic structure and the presence of remnant adhesive. No enamel substance was found on the base pad. The ARItooth was higher for metallic brackets than for ceramic ones. Metallic brackets and ceramic brackets have undergone mechanical changes by showing fractures in their structure. According to our present investigation, we can conclude that the adhesive composite resin is safe for use on both metal and ceramic brackets in orthodontic treatments, with no iatrogenic enamel damages.
Highlights
The concept of biomaterials, which is widely used nowadays, could include everything from metal to ceramic, plastic, and any other material that is well tolerated by the human body
Intense research over the years on these materials has led to a great diversity of ferroalloys used for brackets, wires, bands, and other orthodontic accessories, such as cobalt–chromium alloy (Cr–Co), stainless steel, and titanium alloys, all of which have nickel (Ni) as one of the main components [4]
There were no traces of calcium or phosphorus, which are the main constituents of the enamel (Figures 7–11)
Summary
The concept of biomaterials, which is widely used nowadays, could include everything from metal to ceramic, plastic, and any other material that is well tolerated by the human body. In the field of fixed orthodontics, brackets are used very often during the treatment These appliances are mostly made of metal alloys, polycarbonate, ceramic, zirconia [1,2], different kind of wires, and various bonding materials. Ceramic brackets began to be used in the late 1980s, and nowadays, they are commonly used for orthodontic fixed therapy [5] They were designed in an attempt to satisfy the esthetic requirements of the patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. These translucent brackets are made from aluminum oxide (alumina) particles and are available in the monocrystalline and polycrystalline form [5]. Aluminum oxide is an inert crystalline powder, insoluble in water and odorless [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
