Quantitative and qualitative assessment of enamel surface following two composite removal methods after bracket debonding

Aims: To evaluate and compare morphology and roughness of the enamel surface after debonding and polishing by two methods: aluminum oxide disks (Shofu, Super-Snap) and 30-fluted tungsten carbide bur (Strauss and Co.) using a surface roughness tester and a scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. Subjects and Methods: For this study, we selected 15 orthodontic patients with bonded metal brackets. After the completion of fixed orthodontic treatment, metal brackets for the maxillary central incisors were removed with a debonding plier. For every patient, teeth were chosen on a random basis to be finished and polished with Super-Snap aluminum oxide disks on one side (n = 15) and with 30-fluted tungsten carbide bur (n = 15) on the other side. Epoxy resin was used to obtain the replicas of maxillary anterior teeth (before and after tooth polishing). SEM analysis was done for five samples from each group. Results: The average roughness after resin removal in the 30-fluted tungsten carbide bur group (0.328 mm ± 0.099) was found to be significantly higher when compared to the Super-Snap aluminum oxide disks (0.299 mm ± 0.109). Conclusions: The Super-Snap aluminum oxide disks resulted in superior finishing and polishing than 30-fluted tungsten carbide bur.