Effectiveness of silicone mask fitters for reduction of diffuse composite dust leakage during removal of bonded attachments for clear aligners.

Purpose: This study investigated effectiveness of a silicone mask fitter for reduction of composite particle leakage during removal of bonded attachments for clear aligners compared with a surgical mask and an N95 respirator.

Methods: Composite particles passing through masks were measured using a particle counter machine during removal of attachments bonded on a dentoform using a slow-speed handpiece. The samples were: Group 1: a surgical mask; Group 2: a surgical mask with a silicone mask fitter; and Group 3: an N95 respirator. The experiments were repeated six times per group. Differences among the groups were assessed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc tests.

Results: The mean concentration of total composite particles behind the surgical mask with the silicone mask fitter was significantly lower than that behind a surgical mask alone (61.01 ± 13, 209.69 ± 66 particles/cubic foot (ft³)/min × 10³, respectively, P < 0.001), while there was not significantly different from the N95 respirator (12 ± 3 particles/ft³/min × 10³).

Conclusion: Use of a surgical mask alone was associated with significant leakage of composite dust. The effectiveness of the silicone mask fitter for preventing the entry of diffuse particles was comparable to that of the N95 respirator.