Safe Debonding of Fixed Appliances: A Comparison of Traditional Techniques and LODI Devices on Different Bracket Types in Terms of Enamel Cracks, Site of Bond Failure, and Bracket Reusability

Marta Gibas-Stanek,Małgorzata Pihut

doi:10.3390/ijerph181910267

Marta Gibas-Stanek, Małgorzata Pihut

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910267

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of the debonding of three different bracket types by means of three popular debonding methods. A total of 180 human third molars was divided into six groups, consisting of 20 teeth each. Three bracket types were bonded to the enamel (metal brackets with an integral base and a foil mesh base, and ceramic brackets) and three methods of bracket debonding were employed (bracket removal pliers, Weingart pliers, and Lift-Off Debonding Instrument). The samples were examined with scanning electron microscopy to assess the number of enamel cracks, measure the area of adhesive remaining on the enamel, and calculate the adhesive remnant index (ARI). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the number of enamel cracks after bracket debonding. The amount of adhesive remaining on the teeth after the brackets were removed was significantly different between the groups. LODI and Weingart pliers are considered to be the safest methods of debonding brackets with an integral base, while LODI is the best tool for brackets with foil mesh. Bracket removal pliers are considered to be the preferred method for ceramic bracket debonding.

Highlights

The most popular methods are the use of a retention mesh soldered to a metal base, which is the case with two-piece brackets, and the use of retention undercuts on the surface of the bracket facing the enamel
Since it is accepted that shear bond strength differs from tensile bond strength, this study aimed to test various methods of debonding
Since it is commonly believed that the site of failure is closely related to the risk of enamel cracking, we aimed to determine the amount of adhesive remaining on the tooth’s surface after debonding [5]

Summary

Introduction

The success of orthodontic treatment with a fixed appliance largely depends on the stable retention of its elements on the enamel surface throughout therapy. Apart from the physical and chemical properties of the adhesive material, one of the factors responsible for bond strength is the construction of the bracket base, which is the architecture that provides mechanical retention for the adhesive used. The objective of bracket production is to obtain the flow of material in the irregularity of the base. The most popular methods are the use of a retention mesh soldered to a metal base, which is the case with two-piece brackets, and the use of retention undercuts on the surface of the bracket facing the enamel (a method typically used for one-piece metal brackets and composite, and ceramic brackets)

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Discussion

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