title: Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of human dental enamel after bracket debonding: a noncontact three-dimensional optical profilometry analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to undertake a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of changes on enamel surfaces after debonding of brackets followed by finishing procedures, using a high-resolution three-dimensional optical profiler and to investigate the accuracy of the technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  The labial surfaces of 36 extracted upper central incisors were examined. Before bonding, the enamel surfaces were subjected to profilometry, recording four amplitude parameters. Brackets were then bonded using two types of light-cured orthodontic adhesive: composite resin and resin-modified glass ionomer cement. Finishing was performed by three different methods: pumice on a rubber cup, fine and ultrafine aluminum oxide discs, and microfine diamond cups followed by silicon carbide brushes. The samples were subsequently re-analyzed by profilometry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05) and a posteriori Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.0167) revealed a significant reduction of enamel roughness when diamond cups followed by silicon carbide brushes were used to finish surfaces that had remnants of resin-modified glass ionomer adhesive and when pumice was used to finish surfaces that had traces of composite resin. Enamel loss was minimal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 3D optical profilometry technique was able to provide accurate qualitative and quantitative assessment of changes on the enamel surface after debonding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Morphological changes in the topography of dental surfaces, especially if related to enamel loss and roughness, are of considerable clinical importance. The quantitative evaluation method used herein enables a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of orthodontic bonding on teeth.
authors: São Leopoldo Mandic College of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics, Campinas, Brazil, drfabianoguerra@ig.com.br.
authors: Fabiano G
authors: FG
authors: Ferreira
authors: Darcy F
authors: DF
authors: Nouer
authors: Nelson P
authors: NP
authors: Silva
authors: Ivana U
authors: IU
authors: Garbui
authors: Lourenço
authors: L
authors: Correr-Sobrinho
authors: Paulo R A
authors: PR
authors: Nouer
mesh_terms: D017005:Dental Debonding / Q000379:methods*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007180:Incisor; D061848:Optical Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D013499:Surface Properties