Effect Of Tungsten Carbide Bur On Enamel After Brackets Debonding

This study aimed to compare the effects of high-speed and low-speed tungsten carbide burs on enamel surface roughness and volume after bracket debonding. Thirty-eight extracted premolars were randomly divided into two groups. Initial enamel surface roughness was measured using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Brackets were bonded, debonded after several days, and adhesive residues were removed with either high-speed or low-speed tungsten carbide burs. Enamel volume loss, surface roughness, and the time required for adhesive removal were measured and analysed statistically. Significant differences were noted in enamel volume post-polishing between both groups (p<0.001). Low-speed bur usage significantly increased enamel surface roughness compared to initial measurements (p<0.001), while high-speed burs showed no significant difference from baseline roughness (p=0.769). No significant difference in removal time between the groups was noted (p=0.06). High-speed tungsten carbide burs resulted in less enamel surface roughness, demonstrating a safer option for orthodontic adhesive removal, although both rotary speeds showed similar outcomes regarding enamel volume loss and removal duration.