Evaluation of the time needed for the debonding of two ceramic materials at two thicknesses using two laser powers of Erbium Chromium: YSGG Laser “A Comparative In-Vitro Study”

Background: Ceramic veneers are a very satisfying treatment option for patients regarding aesthetics as they have highly favorable clinical performance. Nevertheless, the de-bonding of laminate veneers may be needed. The conventional techniques for debonding have been proven destructive. The introduction of laser has been of great help offering an easier and a safer debonding technique. Objectives: to evaluate the time needed for debonding and the transmission energy ratio through different ceramic materials in two different thicknesses using two different laser powers. Materials and methods: Fifty-six ceramic specimens were divided into two main groups (n= 28/group) according to ceramic materials (feldspathic, hybrid ceramic). Then each group was further subdivided into two subgroups (n= 14/subgroup) according to their thicknesses (0.3mm -0.7mm). Each group was subjected to two laser powers (3 watt and 6 watt). Transmission energy was first measured followed by the debonding procedure and then time was recorded. Data obtained was analyzed using three-way (ANOVA) (P ≤ 0.05) then Bonferroni’s post-hoc test. Results: low power laser showed statistically significant higher mean debonding time than high power (P-value <0.001, Effect size = 0.370). Vita Enamic showed statistically significant higher mean transmission energy than Vita Mark II (P-value <0.001, Effect size = 0.544). 0.3 mm thickness showed statistically significant higher mean transmission energy than 0.7 mm thickness (P-value <0.001, Effect size = 0.325). Conclusion: Laser use in debonding was proven to be a much easier technique in less time rendering both the ceramic and tooth structure intact. Keywords: debonding, Er, Cr: YSGG laser, feldspathic ceramic, hybrid ceramic.