Enamel microabrasion followed by dental bleaching for patients after orthodontic treatment--case reports

This article reports clinical procedures used to remove residual bonded resin and enamel stains following bracket "debonding" at the conclusion of orthodontic treatment. A water-cooled fine-tapered diamond bur was used for resin removal, followed by enamel surface finishing using a commercially available microabrasion paste. It was noted that residual tooth coloration remained yellowish because of enamel translucency; the yellow dentin shade showed through. Additional tooth shade lightening was achieved using carbamide peroxide dental bleaching solution in custom-formed trays. This report describes a safe and effective technique that optimizes tooth appearance at the conclusion of orthodontic therapy. Mechanical resin removal, enamel microabrasion, and tooth bleaching are employed.

A combination of treatment methods are sometimes required for the best esthetic result. After orthodontic treatment, mechanical resin removal followed successively by enamel microabrasion and tooth bleaching can yield ideal long-lasting improvement.