Análise microscópica da topografia de esmalte após remoção do adesivo

Abstract

Introduction: Although damaging the enamel by using fixed orthodontics is inevitable and irreversible, it can be minimized if the proper protocol is chosen.Objective: Identify the most effective and suitable method for removing brackets and the residual composite, as well as, assess the teeth’s damage caused by orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.Material and methods: 40 teeth had been used where they had been glue brackets according to standard protocol. Of 40 teeth, 20 brackets had been removed with the Weingart’s universal pliers and the remains with bracket removal pliers. After the removal of brackets the teeth had been analyzed and photographed to the optic microscope and were quantified the adhesive that was in the enamel surface according to Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI). Inside of each group of 20, 10 teeth had been removed with a tungsten carbide bur mounted on handpiece and the others 10 with a tungsten carbide bur mounted on turbine. In the end of the removal of the residual composite, all the teeth again had been analyzed and photographed and the damage in enamel was quantified in accordance with Enamel Surface Index (ESI).Results: Despite the method used to remove the brackets, either with the Weingart’s universal pliers or with the bracket removal pliers, there was a higher percentage of the ARI 2. Both turbine or handpiece removal of the residual composite led to a higher prevalence of the ERI 0.Conclusion: The author’s recommendation is to use Weingart’s universal pliers to remove the brackets and use the tungsten carbide bur mounted on a turbine to remove the residual composite

Date of Award	2011
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Armindo Alves (Supervisor)