ABSTRACT
Background: Er-YAG laser showed to be effective in debonding ceramic bracket from the enamel surface. Until lately, no previous study was conducted to assess the outcome of the laser in debonding ceramic brackets from tooth surface comparing it with conventional occlusal pad debonding pliers. Materials and methods: Total 60 ceramic brackets were bonded on the tooth surface which was divided randomly into 2 groups. One was assigned as a control non-lased group and the other was experimental lased groups. Er-YAG laser irradiated the experimental groups at the power of 5 W for 10 seconds with swiping motion and 50% air-water cooling. In the lased experimental group, the laser was applied at energy of 250 mJ, 20 Hz frequency, and pulse duration of 100 μs. Results: Shear bond strengths and adhesive remnant index scores were statistically calculated. A highly significant difference of SBS between the non-lased control group and the lased experimental group was observed (p<0.000). A non-significant difference in ARI scores was observed when the non-lased control group was compared with the lased experimental group. Conclusion: It could be concluded that Er-YAG laser is effective in ceramic bracket debonding. This protocol promotes debonding without bracket fracture or enamel surface cracks or damage.