MINIMALLY INVASIVE ULTRASONIC APPROACH TO ORTHODONTIC DEBONDING: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Aim: to evaluate the experimental safety and efficacy of a new piezoelectric tool for orthodontic clean-up after bracket removal. Methods: a total of 45 teeth removed for orthodontic reasons were used in the present in vitro comparative study. The testtool (Treatment 1) was matched with two other procedures: One step finisher and polisher (Inverted cone One gloss Shofu Dental, Kyoto, Japan) (Treatment 2) and twelve- fluted tungsten carbide bur (123-603-00, Dentaurum, Pforzheim, Germany) and Sof-Lex discs Pop-On XT Kit (3M ESPE) (Treatment 3), accounting for n:15 samples in each group. Clinical safety (enamel volume loss) and efficacy (residual adhesive volume) were measured with the use of Atos Compact Scan 3D structured light scanner (GOM GmbH) with the support of Atos Professional software. The enamel surfaces were scanned three times to evaluate: (i) residual adhesive volume (RAV) after bracket debonding; (ii) relative residual adhesive volume (dAV) after clean-up; (iii) enamel loss volume (EVL) at the end of the procedure. Results: the distribution of mean RAV (mm 3) and the mean EVL (mm 3) resulted asymmetrical between groups. Moreover, the data do not reveal a statistically significant difference from normal distribution. Conclusions: the instrument tested demonstrated to be effective and safe for cleaning after orthodontic treatment. Even for orthodontic treatment by means of clear aligners, the possibility of using an ergonomic and fast instrument can benefit both patient and practitioner.