In vivo enamel stripping: A macroscopic and microscopic analytical study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Interdental stripping is a common orthodontic procedure to correct tooth size discrepancies.
• This technique poses risks to enamel integrity, potentially leading to increased plaque accumulation and periodontal problems due to surface roughness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the enamel surface condition after interproximal stripping using various manual and mechanized instruments.
• To observe the topography of the stripped areas on proximal tooth surfaces.

Main Methods:

• An in vivo study involving interdental stripping on teeth undergoing orthodontic treatment or extraction.
• Four groups were compared: conventional diamond strips, manual ContacEZ IRP Kit, ContacEZ IRP diamond discs, and the Intensiv Ortho-Strips mechanized system.

Main Results:

• All stripping methods resulted in some enamel roughness, with striations and grooves.
• Mechanized oscillating files (Intensiv Ortho-Strips) produced more regular and less rough enamel surfaces compared to manual instruments.
• Manual instruments led to rougher, more irregular surfaces, increasing the risk of carious and periodontal disease.

Conclusions:

• Mechanized instruments, specifically oscillating files, offer a more comfortable and safer enamel stripping procedure.
• These instruments appear to create a more regular and less detrimental surface condition for teeth and the periodontium.