Efficacy of auxiliary devices for removal of fluorescent residue after bracket debonding.

Abstract

To evaluate four protocols for removal of fluorescent materials after bracket debonding. Resin removal from 40 bovine enamel surfaces was performed according to groups (n = 10): conventional (C), white LED (W), LED that evidenced fluorescence (F), and fluorescent lens (FL). The following analyses were performed: sample thickness, superficial area of resin residue, and areas of resin residue or worn enamel in depth. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to analyze sample thickness (P ≤ .05). Area measurements were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests (P ≤ .05). The FL group showed the highest reduction in enamel thickness. F group final thickness was similar to that of other groups. The largest superficial areas of resin residue were found for the C and W groups, while the FL group had the greatest removal of resin residue. The C group exhibited the largest area in depth of resin residue. The FL and F groups exhibited the most loss of enamel with the least amount of resin residue; in contrast, the C and W groups presented the fewest areas of worn enamel and the most areas of resin residue. Auxiliary devices were useful for removal of fluorescent residue after bracket debonding.