Bonding and debonding characteristics of APC-plus clarity brackets compared to APC clarity brackets

To investigate whether adding light-sensitive pigments (APC-Plus) has a significant effect on the times required for placing and debonding brackets compared with conventional APC brackets.

Eighty extracted human permanent central incisors were bonded with APC ceramic brackets and APC-Plus ceramic brackets by four clinicians, and the times required were recorded. After thermocycling, the brackets were debonded. Adhesive remnants were removed by the same clinicians using four different instruments. The times required were recorded, and the enamel surfaces were checked for morphologic changes via scanning electron microscope.

Two clinicians needed significantly more time for bonding of the APC-Plus brackets (P < .05). For debonding, no significant differences could be found between APC and APC-Plus brackets for any of the instruments. The diamond burs and the conventional carbide burs required significantly less time than the Radlanski burs. The air-powder abrasive system took the longest time. The diamond burs caused substantial destruction of the enamel surface, whereas the Radlanski bur and the air-powder abrasive system left the surface intact.

The time needed for placement of the brackets and removal of adhesive remnants was not affected by adding light-sensitive pigments. For debonding, Radlanski burs and conventional carbide burs can be used, while diamond burs should be avoided.