Differences of enamel surface after bracket debonding and adhesive removal with tungsten carbide, steel bur, and adhesive removing plier

INTRODUCTION: One of the goals of orthodontic treatment is to restore the enamel surface to its pretreatment condition. The objective of this research is to compare the differences in enamel surfaces after adhesive removal using tungsten carbide burs, steel burs, and adhesive-removing pliers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total sample of 40 extracted premolars were randomly divided into four groups based on the adhesive removal method: control, tungsten carbide bur, steel bur, and adhesive-removing plier. The enamel surface condition was scanned using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mann–Whitney test was performed to evaluate the differences in enamel surfaces between the groups. RESULTS: Adhesive removal using tungsten carbide burs and steel burs showed (none) no statistically significant differences ( P > 0.05). However, statistically significant differences were observed between the tungsten carbide bur and adhesive-removing plier groups ( P < 0.05), as well as between the steel bur and adhesive-removing plier groups ( P < 0.05). Significant differences were also found between the tungsten carbide bur and control groups ( P < 0.05), the steel bur and control groups ( P < 0.05), and the adhesive-removing plier and control groups ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tungsten carbide bur demonstrated the best enamel surface condition and less adhesive remnant compared to the steel bur and adhesive-removing plier.