Evaluation of Enamel Loss with Bonding and Debonding: A Study with Profile Projector

Accidental detachment of brackets is a common problem in orthodontic bonding and removal of the residual resin certainly results in some amount of enamel loss. Aims: The present study was undertaken to measure and compare the amount of enamel loss with different prophylactic methods and to check which method results in the least amount of enamel loss. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty human premolars extracted for orthodontic treatment purpose were included in the study and divided into three groups of forty samples each: Group 1 (tungsten carbide bur), Group 2 (diamond bur), and Group 3 (soflex disc). The groups were further subdivided into subgroups (a and b) of twenty samples each for different etching times. The enamel loss was measured with profile projector. Results: The mean enamel loss for different subgroups was as follows - subgroup 1a tungsten carbide bur with etching time of 20 s = 69.06 μm and subgroup 1b tungsten carbide bur with etching time of 40 s = 70 μm, subgroup 2a diamond bur with etching time of 20 s = 76 μm and subgroup 2b diamond bur with etching time of 40 s = 76.12 μm, and subgroup 3a soflex disc with etching time of 20 s = 68.32 μm and subgroup 3b soflex disc with etching time of 40 s = 72.24 μm. Statistical Analysis: Analysis of variance showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in mean enamel loss between three prophylactic methods using different etching times. Unpaired t-test showed no significant difference in mean enamel loss between 20 and 40 s of etching time within groups. Conclusion: It is concluded that tungsten carbide bur resulted in the least amount of enamel loss and gouging and scarring is minimum when viewed with naked eye