title: Enamel surface evaluation after removal of orthodontic composite remnants by intraoral sandblasting: a 3-dimensional surface profilometry study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of sandblasting to remove composite remnants after orthodontic bracket debonding.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sample consisted of 20 human premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes. The buccal surface of each premolar was divided into 3 parts: the upper half (control surface group, CS), the lower half left (LS group), and the lower half right (SS group). A composite resin paste (volume, 5 x 3 x 1 mm3) was bonded onto the LS and SS surfaces. Then it was removed by using 1 of 2 methods: low-speed handpiece with tungsten carbide bur in the LS group and sandblasting in the SS group. Temperature change and removal time were recorded, and surface profiles were examined with 3-dimensional profilometry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An independent t test showed a statistically significant difference in temperature change between the LS and SS groups (P <.01). ANOVA showed no significant difference in surface profile between the LS and SS groups (P >.5).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that intraoral sandblasting might be an alternative to rotatory instruments for resin remnant removal after orthodontic bracket debonding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Pusan, Korea.
authors.forename: Seong-Sik
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Woo-Kyung
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Woo-Sung
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Son
authors.forename: Hyung-Soo
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Jung-Hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Ro
authors.forename: Yong-Deok
authors.initials: YD
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D020906:Air Abrasion, Dental; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001641:Bicuspid; D017005:Dental Debonding / Q000379:methods*; D003743:Dental Enamel; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013499:Surface Properties