ABSTRACT
Aim: To evaluate the histological changes following electrothermal debonding (ETD) of ceramic brackets. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 first premolar teeth from 14 patients were divided into two groups: Group I consisted of 20 teeth which served as control, and the brackets were debonded using conventional pliers. (7 teeth were extracted 24 hours after conventional debonding, 7 teeth were extracted 28 to 32 days after conventional debonding and 6 teeth were extracted 56-60 days after conventional debonding). Group II consisted of 30 teeth and the brackets were debonded using the ETD unit. (10 teeth were extracted 24 hours after ETD, 10 teeth were extracted 28 to 32 days after ETD and 10 teeth were extracted 56-60 days after ETD. Immediately after extraction, the teeth were sectioned and prepared for histological examination. Results: The pulp was normal in most samples of the control group. In group II, mild inflammation was observed in the 24 hour sample while the 28 to 32 day sample showed signs of healing. The 56-60 day sample showed that the pulp was similar to the control group in 6 out of the 10 samples. Conclusion: The ETD of ceramic brackets did not affect the pulp and the changes which were observed, were reversible in nature