Enamel Surface Evaluation after Removal of Orthodontic Composite Remnants by Intraoral Sandblasting Technique and Carbide Bur Technique: A Three-Dimensional Surface Profilometry and Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

BACKGROUND The purpose of this thesis is to present a practical and efficient clinical method of returning enamel to as near its original condition as possible following removal of bonded orthodontic attachments. The main objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the iatrogenic enamel damage caused by use of two different remnant removal techniques - sandblasting technique and carbide bur technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS 40 extracted premolar teeth were selected as sample. Premolar brackets were bonded on these teeth with two different types of light cure adhesive composite resin. The remnants present on these samples after debonding the brackets were removed with two different types of remnant removal techniques namely - Carbide bur technique and sandblasting technique. Then these treated surfaces were studied under Scanning electron microscope and three-dimensional profilometer for the damage caused to the enamel. Statistical analysis used Student's t-tests. RESULTS The enamel surface structure after remnant removal with intraoral sandblasting is better than that after removal with a low-speed handpiece using tungsten carbide bur. CONCLUSION Sandblasting can be an acceptable alternative to rotatory handpieces to restore the enamel surface to its near-original state and prevent permanent damage to the tooth.