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

Abstract

Introduction: Debris buildup on brackets and arch surfaces is one of the main factors that can influence the intensity of friction between bracket and orthodontic wire. Objective: This study sought to evaluate the effect of air-powder polishing cleaning on debris levels of self-ligating ceramic brackets at the end of orthodontic treatment, compared to the behavior of conventional brackets. Methods: Debris levels were evaluated in metal conventional orthodontic brackets (n = 42) and ceramic self-ligating brackets (n = 42) on canines and premolars, arranged in pairs. There were brackets with and without air-powder polishing. At the end of orthodontic treatment, a hemiarch served as control and the contralateral hemiarch underwent prophylaxis with air-powder polishing. Debris buildup in bracket slots was assessed through images, and Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the results. Results: The median debris levels were statistically lower in the conventional metal brackets compared to self-ligating ones (p = 0.02), regarding brackets not submitted to air-powder polishing. Polishing significantly reduced debris buildup to zero in both systems, without differences between groups. Conclusions: Ceramic self-ligating brackets have a higher debris buildup in comparison to conventional metal brackets in vivo, but prophylaxis with sodium bicarbonate jet was effective in reducing debris levels in self-ligating and also in conventional brackets.

Prophylaxis protocols and their impact on bracket friction force

“…12,33 The groups treated with both prophylaxis protocols exhibited effective hygiene control, resulting in significantly smaller friction values when compared with the group without prophylaxis (Table 1). Similar results were found in previous investigations 14,15 ; however, this study followed a standardized clinical protocol and in vitro methodology to reduce the incorporation of possible biases. Nevertheless, it should be considered that the impact of prophylaxis on the friction force is still controversial.…”

“…12,13 It could be argued that these approaches may play an important role in the reduction of friction during orthodontic mechanics. Few studies 14,15 have evaluated the influence of prophylaxis (air-powder polishing) on the friction force of brackets at the end of orthodontic treatment. Their findings indicated that this technique reduces debris and decreases the friction levels.…”

Effect of Air-powder Polishing on the Surface Topography of Orthodontic Stainless Steel Wires

“…8 There are several powder choices for these air-powder polishing systems. [15][16][17] Sodium bicarbonate-based powders (NaHCO3) were initially used in air polishing. 2 NaHCO3 powders have WJD a particle size up to 250 μm.…”

Exposição dos bráquetes ao meio bucal durante o tratamento ortodôntico e seu impacto no atrito

“…Método esse que se mostrou eficaz em estudos anteriores, 43,45,49,62 preservando as aletas e ranhura dos bráquetes.…”

“…49 Apesar desse efeito Binding existir na mecânica ortodôntica,48,49 o objetivo principal desses estudos foi avaliar o impacto do desgaste e corrosão dos bráquetes na força de atrito, ou seja, o atrito clássico, excluindo os efeitos Binding e Notching. Esta foi uma questão importante que garantiu a avaliação da força de atrito nos estudos.As principais preocupações quanto à remoção do bráquete após o tratamento ortodôntico são a manutenção da integridade da superfície do esmalte62,63 e o desconforto causado ao paciente 64,65. No entanto, para a revisão atual, a principal preocupação era manter a integridade dos bráquetes, que seriam avaliados in-vitro após a remoção.…”