Three-dimensional quantification of adhesive remnants on teeth after debonding

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine 3 dimensionally the amount of adhesive remaining on teeth after debonding orthodontic brackets. Methods: Three kinds of adhesives were investigated. Metal brackets were bonded to 45 extracted premolars (15 for each adhesive). Labial surfaces of the teeth were scanned before bonding and after debonding. Remaining volume, maximum height, mean maximum height, and mean height of the adhesive remaining on the tooth after debonding were determined, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were measured. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. Regression analysis was performed between each parameter for the remaining adhesive and the ARI. Results: Scanned profiles of the tooth surfaces after debonding showed the remaining adhesive clearly. Volume and mean height were significantly different by the type of adhesive (P <0.05). For the ARI scores, 2 resin-based adhesives showed similar trends; however, a smaller portion of the resin-modified glass ionomer adhesive remained on the teeth. Parameters for remaining adhesive and ARI scores showed significant correlations (r = 0.332-0.486; P <0.05). Conclusions: Quantitative data for the remaining adhesive provides more detailed information about the debonded enamel surface.