INVESTIGATING THE POSSIBILITY OF DEVELOPING ENAMEL CRACKS RELATED TO DEBONDING PROCEDURE

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to investigate whether cracks observed post-orthodontic treatment occur during bracket removal, if pre-existing cracks progress, or whether the normal lifestyle of untreated individuals causes more enamel cracks. Materials and Methods: The study included 54 individuals (27 experimental/treated, 27 control/untreated) with 216 upper incisors. Intraoral photographs were taken for the experimental group immediately before and after debonding, and for the control group at baseline and after 1 year. Photographs were captured using camera with macro lens and standardized settings (ISO 3200, F22, 1/160) with a polarizing lens and transillumination device. Crack lengths were measured using ImageJ software. Statistical analyses (Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, Chi-square tests; p<0.05) were performed with SPSS 22.0. Results: The control group showed significantly higher new crack formation (8.3%) than the debonding group (0.9%) (p<0.05). Upper central incisors had higher crack susceptibility (14.8%) compared to lateral incisors (0%). No significant gender-based difference was observed (p>0.05). While crack counts remained unchanged in the experimental group pre-/post-debonding (p>0.05), the control group exhibited increased cracks after 1 year (p<0.05). Conclusion: Orthodontic debonding with appropriate techniques does not significantly increase enamel crack formation. Functional stresses and parafunctional habits are primary contributors to crack progression.