ABSTRACT
The mechanical debonding of ceramic brackets using special instruments involves the use of a degree of force that is damaging to the enamel. For this reason, the authors have developed the Ceramic Debonding Unit for the thermal debonding of ceramic brackets. The unit reduces the force necessary for debonding, without overheating the tooth. The present article explains the principle of the unit. The influence on the temperature increase in the pulpa of the mechanical torque applied during debonding, and the time taken for debonding was investigated in extracted teeth (lower central incisors). Tests on ceramic brackets made by various manufacturers showed that safe debonding is possible if the debonding time does not exceed 3 seconds at a torque of 100 Nnm. The temperature increase in the pulpa will not exceed 5 degrees C when the Ceramic Debonding Unit is used under these conditions, so that harmful overheating of healthy teeth does not occur.
