Use of optical coherence tomography in orthodontics

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a modern imaging method with applicability in orthodontics. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend in the use of ceramic brackets. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of bonding metallic and ceramic brackets on tooth enamel, using optical coherence tomography. For this purpose, 20 permanent teeth we bonded and were subsequently debonded using a side cutter or anterior bracket removal pliers. Using the OCT technique, the enamel, the amount of adhesive remaining and the bracket fragments remaining on the tooth surface were analyzed following the debonding procedure. It was demonstrated that enamel cracks were present only in the samples bonded with ceramic brackets. At the same time, it was noted that the type of pliers did not affect the incidence and extent of damage to the enamel. The type of debonding technique (using the side cutter or the anterior removal pliers) used did not markedly affect the amount of adhesive remaining on the teeth. Thus, as demonstrated herein, by analyzing the enamel structure through the use of OCT, the quality of the processes and the materials used for manufacturing brackets can be increased.