SUMMARY
Introduction/Objective After an orthodontic brackets debonding procedure it is necessary to remove
any residual adhesive from the tooth surface, as this is a common cause of enamel damage. The aim of
this study is to evaluate the enamel surface after the application of six different methods of adhesive
removal following brackets debonding, as well as to compare the duration of these procedures.
Methods For the purpose of this study, 245 human premolars were extracted as part of the orthodontic
treatment. Metal brackets were bonded to 210 human premolars with the Aspire adhesive system. After
the debonding of brackets, the samples were divided into six groups according to the adhesive removal
method applied: tapered fissure tungsten carbide bur, round tungsten carbide bur, composite bur, abrasive
disc, adhesive removing pliers, and ultrasonic scaler. Out of 245 premolars, 35 served as a control
group. The duration of adhesive removal was recorded. Enamel damages were estimated according to
the enamel surface index on the scanning electron microscopy images.
Results Maximum preservation of the enamel surface was accomplished by using a composite bur (1.08).
The application of abrasive disc was significantly less time-consuming in comparison to the application
of a composite bur (p < 0.01) and an ultrasonic scaler (p < 0.01).
Conclusion The most harmful for the enamel surface was the use of an ultrasonic scaler as well as a round
tungsten carbide bur. Adhesive removal done by an abrasive disc thus proved one of the least damaging
and the least time-consuming methods.
