Cleansing orthodontic brackets with air-powder polishing: effects on frictional force and degree of debris

Abstract

Introduction: Debris buildup on the bracket-wire interface can influence friction. Cleansing brackets with air-powder polishing can affect this process. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frictional force and amount of debris remaining on orthodontic brackets subjected to prophylaxis with air-powder polishing. Methods: Frictional force and debris buildup on the surface of 28 premolar brackets were evaluated after orthodontic treatment. In one hemiarch, each bracket was subjected to air-powder polishing (n = 14) for five seconds, while the contralateral hemiarch (n = 14) served as control. Mechanical friction tests were performed and images of the polished bracket surfaces and control surfaces were examined. Wilcoxon test was applied for comparative analysis between hemiarches at p < 0.05. Results: Brackets that had been cleaned with air-powder polishing showed lower friction (median = 1.27 N) when compared to the control surfaces (median = 4.52 N) (p < 0.01). Image analysis showed that the control group exhibited greater debris buildup (median = 2.0) compared with the group that received prophylaxis with air-powder polishing (median = 0.5) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cleansing orthodontic brackets with air-powder polishing significantly reduces debris buildup on the bracket surface while decreasing friction levels observed during sliding mechanics.

Air-powder polishing on self-ligating brackets after clinical use: effects on debris levels

“…There are reports on the effects of prophylactic techniques in conventional brackets without 13 and after clinical use, 18 but little has been said about the effects of prophylactic techniques on debris buildup in self-ligating brackets after clinical use, compared with conventional brackets.…”

“…Due to those factors, conflicting results can be found in the literature concerning in vitro studies of bracket dynamics, 2 , 3 , 11 , 13 , 22 in addition to clinical or ex vivo studies 6 9 , 12 , 14 Analyses of retrieved brackets highlight the need to reassess the properties and clinical behavior of brackets during treatment, so as to make appropriate treatment decisions 21 …”

“…In addition to increased friction, 16 , 13 the presence of debris and plaque may contribute to enamel demineralization around brackets. Although our results showed greater debris buildup in self-ligating brackets, one study 14 comparing bacterial composition around self-ligating and conventional brackets identified that self-ligating appliances promoted reduced retention of bacteria compared to conventional brackets with elastomeric ligature.…”

“…The investigation of changes in debris buildup during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances could lead to better means to prevent or at least reduce the risks associated with such treatment, such as increased friction, 12 , 13 enamel demineralization 4 and bacterial adhesion 14 . Despite some studies examining the effects of cleaning orthodontic wires 12 and conventional metal brackets, 13 efficient methods employed to clean orthodontic self-ligating brackets have not yet been compared to conventional ones: Are there differences between cleaning metal or ceramics brackets?…”

“…Despite some studies examining the effects of cleaning orthodontic wires 12 and conventional metal brackets, 13 efficient methods employed to clean orthodontic self-ligating brackets have not yet been compared to conventional ones: Are there differences between cleaning metal or ceramics brackets? Does the cleaning efficiency of self-ligating brackets differ from that of conventional ones?…”