Comparison of Finishing and Polishing Systems for Residual Resin Removal after Debonding

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate (1) the effectiveness of one-step polishers on the surface morphology of enamel using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and compare their effects with conventional systems for residual adhesive removal; and (2) the time spent to remove resin remnants. MATERIAL AND METHODS Metal brackets were bonded to the buccal surface of 80 freshly extracted human premolar teeth and received the same resin-removal methods to evaluate the time spent to remove resin remnants (n=10). The brackets were debonded and residual adhesive was removed using different systems. Fourty-five premolars, including the control group with intact enamel (n=5), were examined by SEM. RESULTS 30-blade tungsten carbide burs were the least time-consuming procedure. The best system in SEM study was the PoGo micro-polishers followed by Super-Snap Rainbow system. CONCLUSIONS The effect of polishing systems on residual resin removal was dependent on the characteristics of the instruments in each system.