Diode Laser Debonding of Ceramic Brackets

Signature Grand, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective. To investigate the effectiveness of debonding ceramic brackets with a diode laser. Background. Debonding ceramic brackets safely and efficiently has been a challenge facing clinicians since their inception. Numerous debonding methods have been investigated and used clinically, each having their disadvantages and advantages. One of these methods involves using lasers. Several types of lasers have been tested and used for this purpose. Methods. Two types of ceramic brackets (monocrystalline and polycrystalline) were bonded to bovine maxillary central incisors. The diode laser was applied to brackets in the experimental groups for 3 seconds. Shear bond strength (SBS) and thermal effects on the pulp chamber were assessed at 2 laser energy levels; 2 and 3 Watts per cm2. ANOVA was used to determine significant differences in SBS. Results. Diode laser was ineffective with polycrystalline brackets and effective with monocrystalline brackets in significantly (p < 0.05) lowering the SBS. There were no significant ARI score differences between any of the groups tested. Conclusions. Diode laser use significantly decreased the debonding force required for monocrystalline brackets without increasing the pulp chamber temperature significantly. Diode laser use did not significantly decrease the debonding force required for polycrystalline brackets.