title: Quantitative and qualitative analysis of particulate production during simulated clinical orthodontic debonds.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objectives of this investigation were firstly to quantitatively and qualitatively determine particulate production during orthodontic debond and enamel cleanup procedures, and secondly to examine what methods can be employed to minimize operator exposure to such dust particles.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative study was performed to determine the aerodynamic diameters and compositions of particulates produced during simulated clinical debonds and enamel cleanup procedures on extracted teeth. In each case the enamel was cleaned using tungsten carbide burs in either a high or slow speed handpiece, with or without water coolant spray, with or without high volume evacuation (HVE) or a face mask.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The use of a high speed handpiece with a tungsten carbide bur and water irrigation at enamel cleanup produced the greatest concentration of respirable particulates. Within this dust, calcium, phosphorus, aluminum and silicon were the most commonly found elements. The dust levels observed did not exceed limits advised for respirable dusts in general. However, the concentration of silica within the dusts created is unknown. The face mask and HVE were effective at reducing exposure to respirable particles, but the mask was most effective, reducing exposure by up to 96%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A face mask is an effective means of reducing dust inhalation and is advised for all clinical procedures that produce dusts.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child Dental Health, Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Nicola J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Christian J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Day
authors.forename: Jonathan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Sandy
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ireland
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000517:prevention & control; D017005:Dental Debonding; D003754:Dental High-Speed Equipment; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D008397:Masks; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis; D014618:Vacuum
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D052638:Particulate Matter