Tungsten Carbide Bur Research Articles

A randomised controlled study on the use of finishing and polishing systems on different resin composites using 3D contact optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate theeffects of different finishing and polishing techniques on the surface roughness of microhybrid and nanofilled resin composites. MethodsThe resin composites included were Filtek Z250 (a universal microhybrid resin composite) and Filtek Supreme XTE (a universal nanofill resin composite). Ninety cylindrical-shaped specimens were prepared for each composite resin material. The polishing methods used included tungsten carbide bur (TC); diamond bur (Db); Sof-Lex discs (S); Enhance PoGo discs (PG); TC + S; Db + S; TC + PG; Db + PG. Polymerisation against a Mylar strip without finishing and polishing acted as the control group. Surface roughness was measured using a 3D contact optical profilometer and surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscope examination. ResultsThe results showed that the Mylar-formed surfaces were smoothest for both composites. Finishing with the 20 μm diamond finishing bur caused significantly greater surface irregularity (P < 0.0001) and damage than finishing with the tungsten carbide finishing bur. The Enhance PoGo polishing system produced smoother surfaces than the Sof-Lex disc polishing system; this difference was statistically highly significant (P < 0.0001). ConclusionFor both composites, the Mylar-formed surfaces were smoothest. Where indicated clinically, finishing is better conducted using a tungsten carbide bur- rather than a diamond finishing bur. The Enhance PoGo system was found to produce a smoother surface finish than the Sof-Lex system. Clinical significanceIf finishing and polishing is required the use a tungsten carbide finishing bur followed by Enhance PoGo polishing may be found to result in the smoothest surface finish.

Enamel Surface Roughness after Debonding: A Comparative Study using Three Different Burs

To compare effects of three different burs, i.e., tungsten carbide bur, composite bur, and fiber glass bur on the surface roughness of enamel after debonding evaluated by means of profilometry. The present study was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Guru Nanak Dev Dental College and Research Institute, Sunam, Punjab, India, from August 2011 to December 2012 on 36 extracted premolars. After mounting the samples in acrylic blocks with their buccal surfaces exposed, initial measurement of the surface roughness was made using profilometry. Teeth were then etched and brackets were bonded with light cure adhesive. After 3 days, the brackets were debonded using three different rotating burs at low speed, i.e., tungsten carbide bur, fiber glass bur, and composite bur. Enamel surface roughness values were obtained and assessed using paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and post hoc multiple tests. Surface roughness of enamel increased significantly for tungsten carbide bur when compared with fiber glass bur and composite bur. But there was no significant difference in the surface roughness value when fiber glass bur was compared with the composite bur. Composite and fiber glass burs used for resin removal after orthodontic debonding produced a smoother enamel surface as compared with the tungsten carbide bur. After an orthodontic treatment, restoring the enamel surface to its pretreatment condition without inducing any iatrogenic damage after debonding is a clinical challenge. Residual resin removal through proper means ensures a smooth surface, and, hence, a plaque-free environment. Finishing requires as much planning and execution as planned for the fixed therapy itself.

Long-term evaluation of enamel colour change following orthodontic treatment: a randomised clinical trial

Abstract Objective To evaluate enamel colour change over a period of one year after the completion of fixed appliance treatment and to assess the influence of two different clean-up procedures and the resulting surface roughness. Materials and methods Seventeen orthodontic patients were debonded and the residual resin removed using tungsten carbide burs followed by enamel polishing with Stainbuster burs or Sof-Lex discs in a split mouth design. A spectrophotometric colour evaluation was performed after clean-up (T0), polishing (T1), and one year later (T2). Colour parameters were measured and enamel colour change (ΔE) was calculated. Surface roughness was determined at T1 and T2 using epoxy replicas. Data were analysed using paired and unpaired t-tests and Pearson’s correlation. Results Significant differences in colour change and surface roughness caused by the polishing techniques at T1 were observed. However, this difference was not evident at T2 (p &lt; 0.05). Surface roughness and colour change showed no significant correlation. Conclusion Enamel colour changed significantly when evaluated at T2 (one year post-orthodontic treatment). Stainbuster burs resulted in brighter and smoother teeth immediately after orthodontic treatment. The colour and surface roughness were not significantly different after one year and had no significant correlation.

Effect of different surface finishing/polishing procedures on color stability of esthetic restorative materials: A spectrophotometric evaluation.

Objective:To evaluate the color stability of different esthetic restorative materials after surface finishing/polishing with different procedures.Materials and Methods:All materials were polymerized into silicone rubber rings to obtain specimens identical in size. Samples were randomly assigned into four groups (10 specimens of each composite for each group), and they were finished with different procedures: Control group (Group 1), three or two polishers interspersed with diamond grit (Groups 3 and 2, respectively), and one tungsten carbide bur + one polisher interspersed with diamond grit (Group 4). After staining process in coffee, a colorimetric evaluation according to the CIE L*a*b* system was performed by a blind trained operator at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Shapiro–Wilk test and Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance were applied to assess significant differences among restorative materials. Means of the different polishing/finishing groups were compared with Scheffe's multiple comparison test at the 0.05 level of significance.Results:In control group, significant lower discolorations were recorded for Essentia, Admira Fusion, and Estelite. After finishing, Filtek Supreme XTE and Ceram.X Universal showed a significantly lower degree of staining. The finishing technique used for Group 4 produced higher color changes.Conclusions:Tungsten carbide burs produced the higher color variations; after finishing, the nanofilled composites showed lower discoloration than nanohybrid ones, and the time of exposure to the staining agent and the polishing/finishing technique influenced the color change.

Porcelain color alteration after orthodontic bonding using three different surface preparation methods

By increasing the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment bonding orthodontic brackets to the surfaces other than intact enamel has become necessary. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different surface preparation methods associated with orthodontic bonding on porcelain color alteration. In this in vitro study forty-five porcelain discs (6- mm diameter, 2- mm thickness) were fabricated. The color of the specimens was evaluated by means of a Vita Easyshade. Commision Internationale de I'Eclairage (CIE) L* a* b* system was used for color measurement. Then, the specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15) with respect to the surface preparation methods including a 9.6% hydrofluoric acid (HF) + silane, sandblasting, and sandblasting + 9.6% HF + silane. Metal orthodontic brackets were bonded. Samples were stored in 37° c water for 24 hours. Afterward, the brackets were debonded with a debonding plier and porcelain surfaces were polished with a tungsten-carbide bur. The color assessment was done, and ΔE values were measured. ΔE = 3.7 units were considered as an acceptability threshold. Data were analyzed with Paired t-test and one-way ANOVA. Level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Orthodontic bonding changed the color parameters significantly. Mean L*, a* and b* difference were 1.35 ± 2.41, 0.19 ± 0.80, 0.89 ± 1.27 units, respectively (P = 0.003 for L*, P < 0.001 for a* and b*). There was not any significant difference in ΔE units between the groups (P = 0.456). In all the groups the mean ΔE values were below 3.7 units and within the clinically acceptable limit. Orthodontic treatment changed the CIE color parameters of porcelain surface. However, the color alteration is below the clinically acceptable threshold. With regard to color alteration, there is no difference between different surface conditioning methods.

Efficacy of Caries Removal by Carie-Care and Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser in Primary Molars: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study.

AimTo compare and evaluate morphological changes and bacterial deposits in primary carious molars after caries excavation with Carie-Care, erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser, and round tungsten carbide bur.Materials and methodsThirty human carious primary molars extracted for therapeutic reasons were sectioned mesiodistally. These sectioned samples were allocated into three groups (20 samples each): group I: Carie Care, group II: Er:YAG laser, and group III: round tungsten carbide bur. After caries excavation, all samples were processed and examined under conventional light microscope to examine for bacterial deposits. Representative samples from each group were processed and analyzed to examine the morphology of caries-excavated tissue by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Statistical analysis was done using Fisher’s exact test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsThe Er:YAG laser showed best results with no smear layer followed by chemomechanically excavated surfaces with Carie-Care. Amount of bacterial deposits was observed to be more in group I while least in group II (p-value < 0.001). Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test revealed that there was statistically significant difference among all the three groups.ConclusionAmong the three different methods of caries excavation, Er:YAG laser was found to be more effective compared with Carie-Care and round tungsten carbide bur.Clinical significanceLaser-induced caries excavation by Er:YAG laser and chemomechanical method of caries removal by Carie-Care can be considered as future of noninvasive pediatric and preventive dentistry.How to cite this article: Prabhakar A, Lokeshwari M, Naik SV, Yavagal C. Efficacy of Caries Removal by Carie-Care and Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser in Primary Molars: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(4):323-329.

Comparison of the Shear Bond Strength of Treated and Untreated Brackets on Treated and Untreated Enamel Surfaces in Rebonding

Aim and Objective: This study aimed to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of treated and untreated brackets on treated and untreated enamel surfaces in rebonding. The null hypothesis was that there was no difference between the SBS of the treated and untreated rebonded brackets on treated and untreated enamel surfaces. Materials and Methods: Fifty extracted premolars were bonded by the same conventional bonding method and then debonded, and the SBS of each tooth was recorded. The debonded brackets and teeth were divided into two equal groups. In the first group, the debonded brackets were recycled by direct flaming followed by alumina oxide sandblasting, and the teeth were treated with a tungsten carbide bur applied with a low-speed hand piece. In the second group, neither the teeth surfaces nor the bracket bases were treated. Rebonding was performed followed by debonding, and the SBS of each tooth was recorded again. Results: Both rebonded bracket groups showed lower SBS results than that of the first debonding tests. A statistically significant difference was found within the untreated bracket groups between the first and second debonding test (P

Effect of different finishing/polishing procedures on surface roughness of Ormocer-based and different resin composites

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the surface roughness of six esthetic restorative materials (Gradia Direct Anterior, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan; Filtek Supreme XTE, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA; Ceram.X Universal, Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany; Essentia enamel, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan; Admira Fusion, Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany; and Estelite, Tokuyama Dental corporation, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, Japan) achieved using three different finishing and polishing techniques. In this in vitro study Forty specimens of each material (6 mm in diameter, 2 mm high) were created and divided into four groups, one per each finishing and polishing procedure and a control group, only cured and not polished. All specimen preparation and finishing and polishing procedures were performed by the same investigator, to reduce variability, following strictly the manufacturer's instructions. Specimens were analyzed using a profilometer to measure the mean surface roughness (Ra, μm), and microscopy images were taken during the measurements through the microscope of the profilometer. Two-way ANOVA test was applied to determine significant differences with respect to material, finishing/polishing technique, and interaction between both variables. Post hoc comparison was done using Tukey's honestly significant difference test. Significance for statistical tests was predetermined at P < 0.05. Finishing and polishing procedure using tungsten carbide burs provided the best values in terms of surface roughness. All materials of this study treated with this method have provided superimposable values, and no material can be considered more performing than the others. Similar values were also found in the control group. This study demonstrated that the finishing technique with carbide burs produced an excellent surface smoothness, even if the best surface smoothness is achieved curing the restorative material under a polyester matrix.

Study Regarding the Surface State of Composite Resins After Finishing and Polishing Using Different Systems

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different finishing and polishing systems and of composite resins structure on surface state of the restoration. Cylindrical samples from two different composite resins (Filtek Z 550 and Filtek Z 250, 3M ESPE) were obtained. In group 1 the samples were not finished and polished. In groups 2-4 the samples were submitted to finishing procedure using two tungsten carbide burs, then polished using three different polishing systems: three steps diamond abrasive polishers (Kenda CGI, Lichtenstein) - group 2, one step silicon carbide abrasive particles brush (Occlubrush, KerrHawe SA, Switzerland) - group 3 and two steps Sof-Lex spiral wheels (3M ESPE) - group 4. Half of the samples in each group were subjected to surface microstructure evaluation using a scanning electron mycroscope. The other half of the samples was subjected to surface state assessment using profilometery. All the investigated finishing and polishing systems leaded to increased surface roughness when compared to the roughness of composite resins placed in direct contact to celluloid clear matrix. The surface roughness of both microfilled-hybrid and nanofilled-hybrid composite resins finished and polished with different systems were influenced mostly by the polishing system and less by the composite resin structure.

Development of a novel bioactive glass for air-abrasion to selectively remove orthodontic adhesives

ObjectivesTo develop a novel, bioactive glass for removing residual orthodontic adhesive via air-abrasion, following bracket debonding, and to evaluate its effectiveness against a proprietary bioactive glass 45S5(Sylc™)-air-abrasion, and a slow-speed tungsten carbide (TC) bur.Materials and methodsThree glasses were prepared and their bioactivity was proved. One novel glass (QMAT3) was selected due to its appropriate hardness, lower than that of enamel/45S5(Sylc™). Sixty extracted human premolars were randomly assigned to adhesive removal using: (a) QMAT3-air-abrasion, (b) 45S5(Sylc™)-air-abrasion, and (c) TC bur, which were further subdivided (n = 10) based on the adhesive used (Transbond XT™ or Fuji Ortho LC™). Enamel roughness was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and non-contact profilometry before bracket bonding, after removing residual adhesive following bracket debonding and after polishing.ResultsQMAT3 formed apatite faster (6 h) than 45S5(Sylc™) (24 h) in Tris solution. QMAT3-air-abrasion gave the lowest enamel roughness (Ra) after removing the adhesives. SEM images showed a pitted, roughened enamel surface in the TC bur group and to a lesser extent with 45S5(Sylc™), while a virtually smooth surface without any damage was observed in the QMAT3-air-abrasion group. The time taken for adhesive removal with QMAT3 was comparable to 45S5(Sylc™) but was twice as long with the TC bur.ConclusionsQMAT3-air-abrasion is a promising technique for selective removal of adhesives without inducing tangible enamel damage.Clinical relevanceA novel bioactive glass has been developed as an alternative to the use of TC burs for orthodontic adhesive removal.

Iatrogenic displacement of high-speed bur during third molar removal

Surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar is a routine procedure in oral surgery. Various iatrogenic complications related to the procedure has been discussed well in the literatures before. Some...

Evaluation of Enamel Loss with Bonding and Debonding: A Study with Profile Projector

Introduction: Accidental detachment of brackets is a common problem in orthodontic bonding and removal of the residual resin certainly results in some amount of enamel loss. Aims: The present study was undertaken to measure and compare the amount of enamel loss with different prophylactic methods and to check which method results in the least amount of enamel loss. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty human premolars extracted for orthodontic treatment purpose were included in the study and divided into three groups of forty samples each: Group 1 (tungsten carbide bur), Group 2 (diamond bur), and Group 3 (soflex disc). The groups were further subdivided into subgroups (a and b) of twenty samples each for different etching times. The enamel loss was measured with profile projector. Results: The mean enamel loss for different subgroups was as follows - subgroup 1a tungsten carbide bur with etching time of 20 s = 69.06 μm and subgroup 1b tungsten carbide bur with etching time of 40 s = 70 μm, subgroup 2a diamond bur with etching time of 20 s = 76 μm and subgroup 2b diamond bur with etching time of 40 s = 76.12 μm, and subgroup 3a soflex disc with etching time of 20 s = 68.32 μm and subgroup 3b soflex disc with etching time of 40 s = 72.24 μm. Statistical Analysis: Analysis of variance showed a significant difference ( P t -test showed no significant difference in mean enamel loss between 20 and 40 s of etching time within groups. Conclusion: It is concluded that tungsten carbide bur resulted in the least amount of enamel loss and gouging and scarring is minimum when viewed with naked eye.

Comparison of Enamel Color Alterations Associated with Different Staining Agents around Orthodontic Brackets: An In vitro Study

Objective: Color of natural teeth changes after orthodontic treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate color changes of enamel before and after fixed mechanotherapy and compare the effects of different staining agents on enamel discoloration. Materials and Methods: Hundred freshly extracted premolars were divided into four groups of n = 25 each. Baseline color measurements were taken before bonding through reflectance spectrophotometer (X-Rite i1Pro). Postbonding samples were suspended in test solutions; Group 1 (control group) samples stored in distilled water and Group 2, 3, and 4 in tea, coffee, and turmeric solutions, respectively for a week. The samples were then debonded and cleaned with eight fluted tungsten carbide bur followed by pumicing. Color evaluations were made in accordance with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L* a* b color system. ΔE values were compared for samples before and after debonding. Results: Mean ΔE difference value was found maximum for Group 3 (mean 12.4560, standard deviation [SD] 4.7207) and minimum for Group 1 (mean 9.7120 SD 4.2009). One-way ANOVA was used for intergroup comparison with P Conclusion: Orthodontic bonding and debonding procedures have an effect on enamel discoloration clinically, although various stains used in the study had no statistical significant difference among themselves.

SEM Evaluation of Surrounding Enamel after Finishing of Composite Restorations– Preliminary Results

The purpose of this study was to analyze the surface characteristics of the enamel adjacent to composite resin after finishing the restoration with different diamond and tungsten carbide burs. The topography of enamel was observed by using a scanning electron microscope. Finishing with extra-/ultra-fine carbide burs, and extra-fine diamond burs resulted in smooth surfaces. In few areas some superficial scratches with no clinical relevance were observed. Deep grooves were observed on the surface of enamel when fine diamond burs were used. Finishing of composite restorations with coarse burs should be avoided when there is a high risk of touching and scratching adjacent enamel during the procedure.

Damage on tooth enamel after removal of orthodontic adhesive by Arkansas’ stone and tungsten carbide burs

This work has been supported by FCT (Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia – Portugal) in the scope of the project UID/ EEA/04436/ 2013 NORTE-01-0145- FEDER-000018 - HAMaBICo

Assessing adhesive remnant removal and enamel damage with ultraviolet light: An in-vitro study.

Our objective was to assess the amounts of adhesive remnant and enamel damage when removing composite under conventional lighting and ultraviolet (UV) light. Thirty-eight premolars were divided into 2 groups according to the lighting used for adhesive removal. A multifluted tungsten-carbide bur at low speed was used for this process in both groups. The UV group received conventional lighting associated with UV light, and the conventional group received conventional lighting only. The amounts of adhesive remnant were calculated using images of the teeth taken under UV light with software. Scanning electron microscopy images of epoxy adhesive replicas of the teeth made before bonding and after adhesive removal were graded according to the enamel damage index (EDI), and the difference between the final and initial EDI scores was used for assessment of the enamel damage. To detect differences between the groups, the Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the data from the adhesive remnant index and the EDI. The conventional group had more adhesive left on the enamel (P<0.001) than did the UV group. There was no difference between groups for the EDI (P=0.729). UV lighting allows significantly more adhesive removal without increasing the damage caused to the enamel.

A Comparative Assessment of the Surface Roughness of Thermoplastic Denture Base Resins Following Adjustment and Re-Polishing

Purpose: This study assessed the roughness of two injection-molded, thermoplastic materials used for denture bases compared with a polyamide material and compression molded Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) after the adjustment and re-polishing with either a laboratory protocol or a chair side protocol. Methods: Forty specimens, each of PMMA, Valplast, DuraFlex, Dura Cetal were fabricated and finished according to individual manufactures’ instructions. These materials were adjusted with tungsten carbide (TC) burs to mimic gross adjustments, and then re-polished either on a lathe or bonded silicon carbide (B-SC). Following instrumentation, the specimens were assessed using contact profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. Two-factor ANOVA was used to determine significant differences in mean surface roughness (Ra and Rmax), with included factors being material type and re-polishing regimen. Results: Mean Ra values ranged from 0.26 (DuraFlex control) to 1.82 (Valplast adjusted with TC burs). Mean Rmax values ranged from 1.88 (Dura Flex control) to 13.76 (Valplast adjusted with TC burs). Two-factor ANOVA revealed that interaction of both factors was significant (p < 0.05) for Ra and Rmax. There was a statistically significant increase in both Ra (p < 0.05) and Rmax (p < 0.05) for all material types following the gross adjustment. With the exception of DuraFlex, re-polishing of samples that were previously adjusted with TC burs, on the dental lathe produced surfaces that were comparable to control samples. Conclusion: Adjustment of DuraFlex should be kept to a minimum since the adjustment produced the significant surface detriment that could not be corrected with either of the polishing regimens.

Effect of finishing/polishing techniques and time on surface roughness of esthetic restorative materials.

Surface roughness associated with improper finishing/polishing of restorations can result in plaque accumulation, gingival irritation, surface staining, and poor esthetic of restored teeth. The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of various finishing and polishing systems and time using various procedures on surface roughness of some esthetic restorative materials. In this in vitro study, samples of two composite materials, compomer and glass ionomer cement (GIC) materials, were fabricated. Finishing and polishing were done immediately (n = 40) and after 1 week (n = 40) using four systems (diamond bur + soflex discs; diamond bur + Astropol polishing brush; tungsten carbide bur + soflex discs; tungsten carbide bur + Astropol polishing brush). Surface roughness was measured using surface profilometer. Data were statistically analyzed by t-test (for each material and time period) and one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc (for finishing and polishing systems) at a significant level of P < 0.05. Analysis of time period, irrespective of finishing and polishing system showed that Ra values were greater (P < 0.05) in delayed polishing in GIC > Z100 > Filtek P90 > Dyract AP, suggesting immediate polishing is better. Among the materials, Filtek P90 had the least Ra values indicating the smoothest surface among all materials, followed by Z100, Dyract AP, and GIC. Comparison of polishing and finishing systems irrespective of materials showed that Ra values were lower (P > 0.05) in diamond + Astropol combination whereas diamond + soflex had the greatest Ra values. It might be concluded that: (i) Filtek P90 showed least Ra values followed by < Z100 < Dyract < GIC; (ii) immediate (24 h) finishing/polishing of materials is better than delayed; and (iii) among all these polishing systems, diamond bur-Astropol and Astrobrush showed good surface finish.

The effect of resin cement type and cleaning method on the shear bond strength of resin cements for recementing restorations.

PURPOSEThis laboratory study assessed the effect of different dentin cleaning procedures on shear bond strength of resin cements for recementing prosthesis.MATERIALS AND METHODS4 × 4 flat surface was prepared on the labial surface of 52 maxillary central incisors. Metal frames (4 × 4 × 1.5 mm) were cast with nickel-chromium alloy. All specimens were randomly divided into 2 groups to be cemented with either Panavia F2.0 (P) or RelyX Ultimate (U) cement. The initial shear bond strength was recorded by Universal Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Debonded specimens were randomly allocated into 2 subgroups (n = 13) according to the dentin cleaning procedures for recementation. The residual cement on bonded dentin surfaces was eliminated with either pumice slurry (p) or tungsten carbide bur (c). The restorations were rebonded with the same cement and were subjected to shear test. Data failed the normality test (P < .05), thus were analyzed with Mann Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and two-way ANOVA after logarithmic transformation (α = .05).RESULTSThe initial shear bond strength of group P was significantly higher than group U (P = .001). Pc and Uc groups presented higher bond strength after recementation compared to the initial bond strength. However, it was significant only in Pc group (P = .034).CONCLUSIONThe specimens recemented with Panavia F2.0 provided higher bond strength than RelyX Ultimate cement. Moreover, a tungsten carbide bur was a more efficient method in removing the residual resin cement and increased the bond strength of Panavia F2.0 cement after recementation.

Evaluation of surface roughness of enamel after various bonding and clean-up procedures on enamel bonded with three different bonding agents: An in-vitro study.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the enamel surface roughness before bonding and after debonding, to find correlation between the adhesive remnant index and its effect on enamel surface roughness and to evaluate which clean-up method is most efficient to provide a smoother enamel surface.Material and Methods135 premolars were divided into 3 groups containing 45 premolars in each group. Group I was bonded by using moisture insensitive primer, Group II by using conventional orthodontic adhesive and Group III by using self-etching primer. Each group was divided into 3 sub-groups on the basis of type of clean-up method applied i,e scaling followed by polishing, tungsten carbide bur and Sof-Lex disc. Enamel surface roughness was measured and compared before bonding and after clean-up.ResultsEvaluation of pre bonding and post clean-up enamel surface roughness (Ra value) with the t test showed that Post clean-up Ra values were greater than Pre bonding Ra values in all the groups except in teeth bonded with self-etching primer cleaned with Sof-Lex disc. Reliability of ARI score taken at different time interval tested with Kruskal Wallis test suggested that all the readings were reliable.ConclusionsNo clean-up procedure was able to restore the enamel to its original smoothness. Self-etching primer and Sof-Lex disc clean-up method combination restored the enamel surface roughness (Ra value) closest to its pre-treatment value. Key words:Enamel surface roughness, clean-up method, adhesive remnant index.