Comparative evaluation of enamel surface smoothness and operating time after debonding using four remnant adhesive removal techniques—An in vitro study

Aim: To compare and evaluate the effect of using four remnant adhesive removal techniques after bracket debonding on enamel surface smoothness and to assess the operating time spent in each one. Materials and Methods: Orthodontic adhesive material was removed from the buccal surface of 40 maxillary premolars after bracket debonding with four techniques as 10 teeth per each one: TCG = 10; TCPG = 10; EFG = 10; and EFPG = 10. The operating time required for the completion of each technique was recorded in seconds using a stopwatch, and the mean values of it were statistically calculated; ANOVA and least significant difference tests for means and significant difference of it were done. The enamel surface of two samples from each group in addition to the control group was evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Enamel Damage Index (EDI) was used for assessing enamel surface damage by using ImageJ software. Results: Depending on the SEM evaluation and EDI, the results are as follows: EFPG was smooth enamel surface; EFG was an acceptable surface smoothness with very fine scratches; TCPG was surface with slightly coarse scratches, whereas TCG was surface with sever roughness and coarse scratches that can be seen by a naked eye. The operating time for cleanup with EFG was the lowest value among the four techniques (22.116 s) and significantly (P < 0.05) shorter than the TCPG and EFPG. Conclusions: The enhance finishing and polishing systems were considered as efficient techniques for removing the remnant adhesive materials after bracket debonding leaving a smooth surface with little or no scratches with the shorter operating time in EFG among the four techniques, whereas TCG was the worst one as it left the enamel surface with wide, deep grooves and scratches, and it is advised to stop and avoid using it anymore.