Evaluating the effectiveness of color changing adhesives versus ultraviolet absorbent dye additive adhesives in the removal of adhesive remnants after orthodontic debonding

The fixed orthodontic treatment initiates with bonding and ends up with debonding of brackets which alters the enamel surface. The adhesive remnants present on the enamel surface after debonding are removed with the help of various aids but alters the enamel surface to an extent and there is no alternative material or instrument for removing the adhesives. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of color changing orthodontic bonding adhesives versus ultraviolet absorbent dye additive orthodontic bonding adhesives in the removal of adhesive remnants after orthodontic debonding. : 40 extracted human premolars were procured and metal brackets were bonded to the buccal surface with Group 1 – Enlight, Group 2 – Grengloo, Group 3 - Brace Paste & Group 4 – Enlight + UV dye additive. Debonding of brackets were done in INSTRON and evaluated for ARI score in stereo microscope and photo micrographs were taken to analyze the surface area in ImageJ software with conventional and UV light source. Then the adhesive remnants were removed with tungsten carbide bur at low speed with appropriate illumination and the enamel surface is assessed under scanning electron microscope for EDI score. This study resulted with time taken for the removal of adhesive remnants between the 4 groups and indicates statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Group 3 (Brace Paste) possesses the less time taken for the removal of adhesive remnants between the other three groups and shear bond strength reveals a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the three adhesive groups. This current study concluded that the color changing adhesives with the fluorescence property were significantly different when compared with other adhesives due to the reduction in time taken for the removal of adhesive remnants from the enamel surface with minimal damage. Additionally the introduction of a UV dye additive for the visual distinction between the enamel structure and adhesive remnant also proves to be a valuable aid in the assessment of adhesive remnant index and removal.