Pain and removal force associated with bracket debonding: a clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: Pain is a problem during bracket removal, and more comfortable treatment is needed. This study examined the association of pain with the removal force required for ceramic brackets, compared with metal and plastic brackets, to determine which removal method resulted in less pain and discomfort. METHODOLOGY: 81 subjects (mean age, 25.1 years; 25 males and 56 females) were enrolled, from whom 1,235 brackets (407 ceramic, 432 plastic, and 396 metal) were removed. Measured teeth were distinguished at six segments. Pain was measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS) during the removal of each bracket. An additional grip was placed on the grips of debonding pliers with right-angled beaks; a mini loading cell sensor pinched by the grips was used to measure removal force during debonding. VAS and force values were statistically analyzed. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction were performed for multiple comparisons; multiple regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Forces in the upper and lower anterior segments were significantly smaller (p<0.05) than those in the other segments. Pain tended to be greater in the upper and lower anterior segments than in the posterior segments. In all segments, the removal force was greater for metal brackets than for plastic or ceramic brackets. Ceramic brackets caused significantly greater pain than plastic brackets for the upper and lower anterior segments. Debonding force was involved in the brackets, following adjustments for pain, upper left segment, age, and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Pain and discomfort are likely to occur during bracket debonding.

Enamel Surface Damage following Debonding of Ceramic Brackets: A Hospital-Based Study.

METHODS: The current study includes 80 extracted premolars of human from the patient visiting for orthodontic treatment of Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences, Karnataka, India. The brackets were debonded using four different methods. The enamel surface damage after the procedure was assessed with the Enamel Surface Index (ESI); similarly, the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) score was used to determine the adhesive residual deposit. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize better microporosities and micromechanical retention of adhesive remnants on the enamel surface. The normality of the data was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Depending upon the normality test result, the one-way ANOVA test or Kruskal-Wallis test was used to test the mean ESI and mean ARI differences among different debonding methods along with the appropriate post hoc tests. The necessary ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the institute. RESULTS: The ultrasonic scaler (US) technique led to more significant enamel surface damage, with 13 (65%) samples in the ESI scores III and IV against the satisfactory surface in 2 (10%) samples with the ligature cutter (LC) technique (ESI-I) reflecting LC as a better technique. The ESI scores (III and IV) for debonding plier (DP) and thermal method (TM) reflected a higher value in 12 (60%) and 10 (50%) samples and caused more damage to the enamel surface as compared to the LC technique. The ARI score was highest (ARI-1 = 40%) with the LC technique, followed by the US (ARI-1 = 20%), TM (ARI-1 = 15%), and DP (ARI-1 = 5%) methods. We have observed a significant association (p value <0.05) of the ARI score among four different debonding ways in terms of each tooth's residual adhesive after the bracket removal. CONCLUSION: The result establishes the LC technique as a more acceptable one as it causes minimal harm to the debonded surface. The adhesive left on the debonded area is also minimum as compared to the other three methods tested. Therefore, it can be suggested as an ideal method.

In vivo examination of enamel microcracks after orthodontic debonding: Is there a need for detailed analysis?

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to assess changes in the number of enamel microcracks (EMCs) after removing metal brackets in teeth with and without visible EMCs before the bonding procedure. METHODS: Before bonding, 13 patients having teeth with visible EMCs and 13 subjects whose teeth were free of EMCs were included in the study. All patients were asked to complete a questionnaire with a detailed medical history at the beginning of treatment and after removing metal brackets. The number of teeth with visible EMCs and the number of premolars without EMCs were recorded for each subject twice, that is, before bonding and after debonding, together with the tooth sensitivity assessments elicited by compressed air and cold testing. RESULTS: The number of visible EMCs in premolars increased after removing metal brackets. EMCs were recorded in at least 25.0% of all evaluated teeth for the patients having teeth with and without visible EMCs at the beginning of treatment. However, the changes in the number of visible EMCs were not significantly different (P = 0.619) between the groups. For the subjects with visible EMCs, tooth sensitivity caused by cold was registered nearly 3 times more often after removing brackets compared with the patients without EMCs prior bonding. CONCLUSIONS: Formation of EMCs was noticed after debonding. Changes in the number appeared to be similar for the subjects with and without visible EMCs before bonding. Higher incidence of EMCs was associated with more frequent tooth sensitivity perceptions after removing brackets.

Pain and removal force associated with bracket debonding: a clinical study

Abstract Objective: Pain is a problem during bracket removal, and more comfortable treatment is needed. This study examined the association of pain with the removal force required for ceramic brackets, compared with metal and plastic brackets, to determine which removal method resulted in less pain and discomfort. Methodology: 81 subjects (mean age, 25.1 years; 25 males and 56 females) were enrolled, from whom 1,235 brackets (407 ceramic, 432 plastic, and 396 metal) were removed. Measured teeth were distinguished at six segments. Pain was measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS) during the removal of each bracket. An additional grip was placed on the grips of debonding pliers with right-angled beaks; a mini loading cell sensor pinched by the grips was used to measure removal force during debonding. VAS and force values were statistically analyzed. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction were performed for multiple comparisons; multiple regression analysis was also performed. Results: Forces in the upper and lower anterior segments were significantly smaller (p<0.05) than those in the other segments. Pain tended to be greater in the upper and lower anterior segments than in the posterior segments. In all segments, the removal force was greater for metal brackets than for plastic or ceramic brackets. Ceramic brackets caused significantly greater pain than plastic brackets for the upper and lower anterior segments. Debonding force was involved in the brackets, following adjustments for pain, upper left segment, age, and sex. Conclusions Pain and discomfort are likely to occur during bracket debonding.

Effect of different debonding techniques on shear bond strength and enamel cracks in simulated clinical set-ups.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between debonding forces and enamel cracks length change between different debonding techniques. METHODS: 80 extracted premolar teeth with intact buccal enamel were divided into five groups. In each group, enamel cracks were evaluated by stereomicroscope before and after debonding. All teeth were bonded with metal brackets by self-cure adhesive (3M, USA) and then debonded by bracket debonding plier, fixed on the UTM machine, through five methods based on location of plier on brackets: OGwing (occlusogingival), MDwing (mesiodistal), Oblique, OGbase (occlusogingival) and Cusp-base. RESULTS: Based on non-parametric distribution of data, there was no significant difference between groups in ARI and enamel cracks length change. The highest shear bond strength for debonding presented in OG base method (25.25 ± 8.4) and the difference was statistically significant (P-value = 0.029). There was no linear relationship between shear bond strength and cracks length change and also between ARI and cracks length change. CONCLUSION: Despite the lower cracks length change in Cusp-base method than other groups, there wasn't significant difference between debonding methods. Also the amount of debonding forces and ARI do not affect the changes of cracks length.

Evaluation of pain perception during orthodontic debonding of metallic brackets with four different techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' pain levels during four different debonding procedures. The null hypothesis was that the pain perception of the patients undergoing four different debonding applications was not statistically significant different. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty orthodontic patients who underwent orthodontic debonding were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into 4 groups according to technique used in the patients. Debonding groups were as follows: Group 1) Conventional debonding group, Group 2) Medication group (acetaminophen was given 1 hour before debonding), Group 3) Soft bite wax group, and Group 4) Soft acrylic bite wafer group. The patients' levels of anxiety and fear of pain were evaluated before debonding, and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was applied to evaluate their pain perception during debonding. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate non-normally distributed data. Categorical data analysis were carried by chi-square and McNemar tests. The significance level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Anxiety scores of the patients were not statistically significant between both genders and debonding groups. In the quadrants in which the patients were perceived, the highest pain level was in the left side of the mandible. The teeth in which the highest pain level was perceived were the lower left and upper right lateral incisors. Although there was no statistically significant difference among the pain scores of the patients in each group, quadrant scores of female patients showed significant differences, being the lowest scores in the soft bite wax group. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the patients had no fear of pain before debonding. Pain levels of the patients in the conventional debonding group were not significantly different from those of the other groups, except quadrant scores of females in the soft bite wax group. The null hypothesis was accepted.

Evaluation of pain perception during orthodontic debonding of metallic brackets with four different techniques

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' pain levels during four different debonding procedures. The null hypothesis was that the pain perception of the patients undergoing four different debonding applications was not statistically significant different. Material and Methods One hundred and twenty orthodontic patients who underwent orthodontic debonding were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into 4 groups according to technique used in the patients. Debonding groups were as follows: Group 1) Conventional debonding group, Group 2) Medication group (acetaminophen was given 1 hour before debonding), Group 3) Soft bite wax group, and Group 4) Soft acrylic bite wafer group. The patients' levels of anxiety and fear of pain were evaluated before debonding, and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was applied to evaluate their pain perception during debonding. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate non-normally distributed data. Categorical data analysis were carried by chi-square and McNemar tests. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results Anxiety scores of the patients were not statistically significant between both genders and debonding groups. In the quadrants in which the patients were perceived, the highest pain level was in the left side of the mandible. The teeth in which the highest pain level was perceived were the lower left and upper right lateral incisors. Although there was no statistically significant difference among the pain scores of the patients in each group, quadrant scores of female patients showed significant differences, being the lowest scores in the soft bite wax group. Conclusions Majority of the patients had no fear of pain before debonding. Pain levels of the patients in the conventional debonding group were not significantly different from those of the other groups, except quadrant scores of females in the soft bite wax group. The null hypothesis was accepted.

Tooth color change due to different etching and debonding procedures.

OBJECTIVES:: To compare the effects of different etching techniques, 12-, 24-bladed tungsten carbide burs, and polishing discs on tooth color changes during orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: 59 individuals (mean age: 15.20 ± 1.59 years) were divided into four groups: 37% phosphoric acid and adhesive primer was used in Groups I and II whereas self-etch primer was used in Groups III and IV for enamel preparation. After orthodontic treatment, residual adhesives were cleaned with 12-bladed tungsten carbide burs in Groups I and III, while 24-bladed tungsten carbide burs were used in Groups II and IV. All teeth were polished with medium and fine Sof-Lex XT discs (3M ESPE, St Paul, Minnesota). Color measurements were taken from upper incisors and canines at pretreatment (T0), after cleaning with tungsten carbide burs (T1) and polishing with discs (T2). Wilcoxon test was used for evaluation of L*, a*, b* changes and Kruskal-Wallis for intergroup comparison of color changes. RESULTS:: L*, a*, b* values, except a* at Groups I, II, IV, and b* at Group III, changed significantly ( P < .05). Groups III and IV showed significantly different color alterations from T0 to T1 ( P < .05). After polishing, tooth color alterations were not significantly different among the groups. CONCLUSIONS:: In self-etch bonding groups, a 12-bladed tungsten carbide bur caused less color change than the 24-bladed tungsten carbide bur. Orthodontic treatment resulted with visible and clinically unacceptable tooth color alterations regardless of the enamel preparation and clean-up techniques. Polishing reduced the effect of tungsten carbide burs, but did not affect the total influence of orthodontic treatment on the tooth color.

Are fibre posts associated with the occurrence of prosthetic complications?

Data sourcesThe Pubmed, Evidence-Based Dentistry, BMJ Clinical Evidence, EmbaseDynamed, and www.opengrey.eu databases and manual search of reference lists.Study selectionRandomised clinical trials (RCTs) were accepted if they had: participants with no periodontal disease and teeth restored with SCs or FDPs and compared fibre posts and other prosthetic systems and evaluated the prosthetic complications with a minimum observational period of 36 months.Data extraction and synthesisTitles and abstracts were evaluated independently by two reviewers, any disagreement was discussed with a third reviewer. The agreement for the two reviewers was 97%. The quality and the risk of bias of the studies included was assessed following the Cochrane Handbook considering the domains of randomisation, sample size, inclusion and exclusion criteria, follow-up achieved, blinding, withdrawing and groups' compatibility for quality assessment, and for the risk of bias the domains evaluated were allocation concealment, blinding of outcome assessor and follow-up.ResultsThe database search yielded 4,230 records; after duplications removal, 3,670 records were reviewed independently by the authors, and four articles were chosen to include in the systematic review.The most frequently reported failures in the available studies were as follows: fibre post debonding, loss of retention of single crowns and marginal gaps. Less frequently, chippings and fractures were recorded in SCs. No studies about complications related to FDPs were found.The failure rate ranged from 0 to 28.2%.ConclusionsA correlation between the failure rates of fibre posts and the type of prosthetic restoration (SCs or FDPs ) cannot be found. Further RCTs are required to achieve evidence-based conclusions, particularly about the use of fibre posts with FDPs.

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

AIM: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: Composite and fiber glass burs used for resin removal after orthodontic debonding produced a smoother enamel surface as compared with the tungsten carbide bur. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: 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.

Investigation of bacteremia after debonding procedures.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of debonding procedures after completion of orthodontic treatments on bacteremia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients who were treated with fixed orthodontic treatment at the Faculty of Dentistry's Department of Orthodontics at Gaziantep University and who had an indication of debonding were selected for this study, and blood samples were taken from these patients at different times and examined for bacteremia. Blood culture samples were taken from the antecubital veins of the patients prior to debonding (T0), immediately after removing the bracket (T1), and immediately after cleaning the composite residues and plaque deposits on the enamel surface (T2). The blood samples were then inoculated in blood culture bottles and investigated for bacterial growth. RESULTS: The results showed that there was no bacterial growth in the blood samples taken at T0 and T1, whereas 10 of the blood culture samples taken at T2 showed bacterial growth including the following bacteria; Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus parasanguinis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus oralis, Staphylococcus aureus, Actinomyces oris, Actinomyces naeslundii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that patients in the risk group could develop bacteremia during debonding procedures. The presence of these bacteria in sterile blood suggested the possibility of bacterial endocarditis.

Enamel microcracks in the form of tooth damage during orthodontic debonding: a systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the enamel microcracks (EMCs) characteristics (qualitative and quantitative) in the form of tooth damage before and after debonding from human teeth of in vitro studies. Eligibility criteria: Laboratorial studies evaluating EMCs characteristics before and after debonding metal and ceramic brackets from human teeth with intact buccal enamel. Information sources: An electronic search of four databases (all databases of the Cochrane Library, CA Web of Science, MEDLINE via PubMed, and Google Scholar) and additional manual searches were carried out, without language restrictions. Studies published between 2000 and 2017 years were selected. Reference lists of the included articles were screened, and authors were contacted when necessary. Risk of bias: The following six parameters were analyzed: blinding of examiner and outcome assessment, incomplete outcome data before bonding and after debonding, selective outcome reporting, and incomplete reporting of EMCs assessment. Included studies: Out of 430 potentially eligible studies, 259 were screened by title and abstract, 180 were selected for full-text analysis, 14 were included in the systematic review. Seven studies were selected for the meta-analysis. Synthesis of results: The results for EMCs characteristics were expressed as mean differences (MDs) with their 95 per cent confidence intervals (CIs), and calculated from random-effects meta-analyses. Debonding was associated with the increase in number (three studies, MD = 3.50, 95% CI, 2.13 to 4.87, P < 0.00001), length (seven studies, MD = 3.09 mm, 95% CI, 0.75-5.43, P < 0.00001), and width (three studies, MD = 0.39 µm, 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.79, P = 0.06) of EMCs. Considerable statistical heterogeneity was found for two forest plots evaluating the changes of number and length characteristics during debonding. Conclusions: There is weak evidence indicating length and width of EMCs increase following bracket removal and the scientific evidence concerning quantitative evaluation of the number parameter before and after debonding is insufficient. However, there is a strong evidence that after debonding the number of EMCs is likely to increase. Registration: No registration was performed.

Quantitative analysis of enamel on debonded orthodontic brackets.

INTRODUCTION: Iatrogenic damage to the tooth surface in the form of enamel tearouts can occur during removal of fixed orthodontic appliances. The aim of this study was to assess debonded metal and ceramic brackets attached with a variety of bonding materials to determine how frequently this type of damage occurs. METHODS: Eighty-one patients close to finishing fixed orthodontic treatment were recruited. They had metal brackets bonded with composite resin and a 2-step etch-and-bond technique or ceramic brackets bonded with composite resin and a 2-step etch-and- bond technique, and composite resin with a self-etching primer or resin-modified glass ionomer cement. Debonded brackets were examined by backscattered scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy to determine the presence and area of enamel on the base pad. RESULTS: Of the 486 brackets collected, 26.1% exhibited enamel on the bonding material on the bracket base pad. The incidences of enamel tearouts for each group were metal brackets, 13.3%; ceramic brackets, 30.2%; composite resin with self-etching primer, 38.2%; and resin-modified glass ionomer cement, 21.2%. The percentage of the bracket base pad covered in enamel was highly variable, ranging from 0% to 46.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Enamel damage regularly occurred during the debonding process with the degree of damage being highly variable. Damage occurred more frequently when ceramic brackets were used (31.9%) compared with metal brackets (13.3%). Removal of ceramic brackets bonded with resin-modified glass ionomer cement resulted in less damage compared with the resin bonding systems.

Does orthodontic debonding lead to tooth sensitivity? Comparison of teeth with and without visible enamel microcracks.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to assess the possible changes in sensitivity of teeth with and without visible enamel microcracks (EMCs) up to 1 week after the removal of metal brackets. METHODS: After debonding, 15 patients possessing teeth with visible EMCs and 15 subjects whose teeth were free of EMCs were enrolled in the study. For each experimental group, a control group was formed. The assessments of tooth sensitivity elicited by compressed air and cold testing were performed 5 times: just before debonding, immediately after debonding, and at 1, 3, and 7 days after debonding. Tooth sensitivity was recorded on a 100-mm visual analog scale. RESULTS: For the patients without visible EMCs, discomfort peaked immediately after debonding and started to decrease on day 1; at 1 week after debonding, the visual analog scale scores were lower than just before debonding and immediately after debonding. For the subjects possessing teeth with visible EMCs, the pattern of sensitivity dynamic was inherently the same. However, the patients with visible EMCs showed higher visual analog scale values at each time interval. CONCLUSIONS: Debonding leads to a short-term increase in tooth sensitivity. EMCs, a form of enamel damage, do not predispose to greater sensitivity perception in relation to bracket removal.

Microbiological assessment of aerosol generated during debond of fixed orthodontic appliances.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to describe bacterial load and diversity of the aerosol created during enamel cleanup after the removal of fixed orthodontic appliances and to assess the effect of a preprocedural mouth rinse. METHODS: The study involved the sampling of ambient air adjacent to the patient's mouth during adhesive removal using a slow-speed handpiece and a spiral fluted tungsten carbide bur without water irrigation. Sampling was carried out during enamel cleanup with or without a preprocedural mouth rinse of either sterile water or chlorhexidine. Airborne particles were collected using a viable inertial impactor simulating the human respiratory tree. The bacteria collected were analyzed using both culture and molecular techniques. RESULTS: Bacteria produced during debond and enamel cleanup can reach all levels of the respiratory tree. The use of a preprocedural mouth rinse, either sterile water or chlorhexidine, increased the numbers and diversity of the bacteria in the air. CONCLUSIONS: When using a slow-speed handpiece and a spiral fluted tungsten carbide bur for enamel cleanup after orthodontic treatment, the bacterial load and diversity of the aerosol produced are lower when a preprocedural mouth rinse is not used.

Emergencies in Orthodontics. Part 2: Management of Removable Appliances, Functional Appliances and other Adjuncts to Orthodontic Treatment.

In the second of two papers, management of orthodontic emergencies involving appliances other than Fixed appliances will be detailed. Problems relating to removable appliances, as well as other orthodontic adjuncts, will be discussed. Unfortunately, orthodontic appliance breakage does occur, despite the clinicians giving clear and concise instructions to the patients and their parents at fitting. If general dental practitioners have a practical knowledge of how to diagnose problems and to provide appropriate advice or timely 'emergency' treatment, this will significantly reduce the inconvenience for all parties concerned. It should also ensure that treatment progresses in the most efficient and comfortable manner for their patients. In specific situations the early, accurate identification of the problem and instigation of its appropriate management can avoid more serious consequences. Clinical Relevance: Appropriate handling of an orthodontic 'emergency' by the dentist can, on many occasions, provide immediate relief to the patient. This will, in turn, allow treatment to continue in the right direction, thus allowing more efficient and effective use of valuable resources.

Effect of adhesive resin flexibility on enamel fracture during metal bracket debonding: an ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the null hypothesis that neither the flexural properties of orthodontic adhesive resins nor the enamel pre-treatment methods would affect metal bracket debonding behaviours, including enamel fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dimethacrylate-based resin (Transbond XT, TX) and two methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based resins (Super-Bond C&B, SB; an experimental light-cured resin, EXP) were tested. Flexural strength and flexural modulus for each resin were measured by a three-point-bending test. Metal brackets were bonded to human enamel pretreated with total-etch (TE) or self-etch adhesive using one of the three resins (a total of six groups, n = 15). After 24 hours of storage in water at 37°C, a shear bond strength (SBS) test was performed using the wire loop method. After debonding, remaining resin on the enamel surfaces and occurrence of enamel fracture were assessed. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The two MMA resins exhibited substantially lower flexural strength and modulus values than the TX resin. The mean SBS values of all groups (10.15-11.09MPa) were statistically equivalent to one another (P > 0.05), except for the TE-TX group (13.51MPa, P < 0.05). The two EXP groups showed less resin remnant. Only in the two TX groups were enamel fractures observed (three cases for each group). LIMITATIONS: The results were drawn only from ex vivo experiments. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis is rejected. This study suggests that a more flexible MMA resin is favourable for avoiding enamel fracture during metal bracket debonding.

Técnica para remoção do remanescente adesivo após descolagem de braquetes ortodônticos / Technique for removal of remmant adhesive after debonding od orthodontic brackets

A etapa de remoção de aparelhos ortodônticos deve ser realizada tentando preservar, ao máximo, a estrutura dentária. Apesar de existirem vários protocolos e materiais disponíveis no mercado, alguns profissionais desconhecem os efeitos destes materiais na superfície do esmalte, o que pode contribuir para que o esmalte seja permanentemente danificado, ou desconhecem que, quando a resina não for adequadamente removida, pode ocorrer um aumento na agregação de biofilme, tornando o esmalte mais suscetível a doenças cárie e periodontal. / Objetivo / O objetivo desse trabalho foi demonstrar, por meio de um caso clínico, uma sequência de acabamento e polimento pós-terapia ortodôntica. / Métodos / Após a remoção dos braquetes, a resina residual foi evidenciada com pó dourado (Texturmarker, Benzer Dental AG, Suíça). Em seguida, foi utilizada broca multilaminada (Komet), discos Sof-Lex (3M ESPE), borrachas para acabamento Astropol e Astrobrush (Ivoclar Vivadent), escova de pelo de cabra e FlexiBuff com pasta Enamelize (Cosmedent). / Conclusão / Pôde-se concluir que a sequência de materiais utilizados foi efetiva e de fácil execução, preservando a estrutura dentária.

Bracket base remnants after orthodontic debonding.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the debonding procedure leads to restitutio ad integrum of the enamel surface by investigating the presence of enamel within the bracket base remnants after debonding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients who completed orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances were included. A total of 1068 brackets were microphotographed; the brackets presenting some remnants on the base (n = 818) were selected and analyzed with ImageJ software to measure the remnant area. From this population a statistically significant sample (n = 100) was observed under a scanning electron microscope to check for the presence of enamel within the remnants. Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry was also performed to obtain quantitative data. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in the remnant percentage between arches were observed for incisor and canine brackets (P < .0001 and P = .022, respectively). From a morphologic analysis of the scanning electron micrographs the bracket bases were categorized in 3 groups: group A, bases presenting a thin enamel coat (83%); group B, bases showing sizable enamel fragments (7%); group C, bases with no morphologic evidence of enamel presence (10%). Calcium presence was noted on all evaluated brackets under energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry. No significant difference was observed in the Ca/Si ratio between group A (16.21%) and group B (18.77%), whereas the Ca/Si ratio in group C (5.40%) was significantly lower than that of the other groups (P < .323 and P = .0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The objective of an atraumatic debonding is not achieved yet; in some cases the damage could be clinically relevant.

Evaluation of enamel micro-cracks characteristics after removal of metal brackets in adult patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare enamel micro-crack characteristics of adult patients before and after removal of metal brackets. After the examination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 45 extracted human teeth were divided into three groups of equal size: group 1, the teeth having enamel micro-cracks, group 2, the teeth without initial enamel micro-cracks, and group 3, control group to study the effect of dehydration on existing micro-cracks or formation of new ones. For all the teeth in groups 1 and 2, the same bonding and debonding procedures of metal brackets were conducted. The length and width of the longest enamel micro-crack were measured for all the teeth before and after removal of metal brackets. The changes in the location of the micro-cracks were also evaluated. In group 3, teeth were subjected to the same analysis but not bonded. The mean overall width of micro-cracks after removal of metal brackets was 3.82 µm greater than before bonding procedure (P < 0.05). Also, a significant difference was noticed between the width of micro-cracks in first zone (cervical third) and third zone (occlusal third) after debonding procedure (P < 0.05). New enamel micro-cracks were found in 6 of 15 (40 per cent) examined teeth. Greatest changes in the width of enamel micro-cracks after debonding procedure appear in the cervical third of the tooth. On the basis of this result, the dentist must pay extra care and attention to this specific area of enamel during removal of metal brackets in adult patients.