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Debonding orthodontic ceramic brackets by ultrasonic instrumentation
D B Boyer1, G Engelhardt, S E Bishara
1Department of Operative Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
Summary
Ultrasonic chisels may reduce the force needed to remove ceramic orthodontic brackets. However, this debonding method requires further development before clinical recommendation due to application time.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Orthodontic technology
- Biomaterials engineering
Background:
- Ceramic brackets pose risks like fragment aspiration and tooth damage due to brittleness.
- Manual grinding of residual bracket material is time-consuming and difficult.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an ultrasonic chisel in reducing the force required for ceramic bracket debonding.
- To assess the impact of cement degree of cure on debonding forces and time.
Main Methods:
- Ceramic brackets were bonded to extracted human teeth (incisors and canines).
- The degree of cure of light-activated cement was manipulated via varied light exposure times.
- An ultrasonic chisel and universal testing machine were used to measure debonding forces.
Main Results:
- The ultrasonic chisel significantly decreased the force needed for bracket removal.
- Average application time for the ultrasonic chisel was 16.6 seconds.
- Varying the cement's degree of cure had minimal impact on debonding force and time.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonic chisels show potential for reducing ceramic bracket debonding forces.
- Further research and development are necessary before this technique can be recommended for clinical use.