Orthodontic Debonding Procedures: A Survey of Thai Orthodontists

Main Article Content

Buranee Anurukkulkij
Supassara Sirabanchongkran

Abstract

Background: Orthodontic debonding procedures impact enamel integrity. Despite various proposed techniques, no standardized protocol exists. Understanding commonly used methods among Thai orthodontists may aid in developing practical, evidence-based guidelines. Objective: To investigate current practices of Thai orthodontists regarding bracket removal, adhesive removal, and enamel polishing during debonding, aiming to identify prevailing clinical trends and support standardized protocol development. Materials and methods: A structured four-part questionnaire was distributed to 726 active members of the Thai Association of Orthodontists via electronic message and postal mail. It covered: 1) respondents’ general background; 2) bracket type, surface preparation, and adhesive system frequently used; 3) debonding instruments and procedures for metal and ceramic bracket debonding; and 4) adhesive removal, enamel polishing, and time spent. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Results: 389 orthodontists (53.58 %) responded; and 388 responses were analyzed. Bracket debonding pliers were most frequently used, typically applying squeezing force occlusogingivally. For adhesive removal, up to four instruments were used sequentially, with high-speed white stone bur favored in both one- and multi-step methods. Rubber cup with slurry pumice was common for enamel polishing. Water was the primary coolant used in both adhesive removal and enamel polishing. Most entire procedures took under 15 minutes per arch. Conclusion: Variability in orthodontic debonding practices among Thai orthodontists was observed, the findings suggest that instrument selection is influenced by the need to balance clinical effectiveness with procedural efficiency, aiming to achieve optimal outcomes within a reasonable chair time.

Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Anurukkulkij B, Sirabanchongkran S. Orthodontic Debonding Procedures: A Survey of Thai Orthodontists. Thai J Orthod [internet]. 2025 Nov. 20 [cited 2025 Dec. 12];15(2):42-5. available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/THAIORTHO/article/view/280041
Section
Original Article

References

Buonocore MG. A simple method of increasing the adhesion of acrylic filling materials to enamel surfaces. J Dent Res 1955;34(6):849-53.

Nicholson JW. Adhesive dental materials—a review. Int J Adhes Adhes 1998;18(4):229-36.

Janiszewska-Olszowska J, Szatkiewicz T, Tomkowski R, Tandecka K, Grocholewicz K. Effect of orthodontic debonding and adhesive removal on the enamel–current knowledge and future perspectives–a systematic review. Med Sci Monit 2014;20:1991.

Joo HJ, Lee YK, Lee DY, Kim YJ, Lim YK. Influence of orthodontic adhesives and clean-up procedures on the stain susceptibility of enamel after debonding. Angle Orthod 2011;81(2):334-40.

Campbell PM. Enamel surfaces after orthodontic bracket debonding. Angle Orthod 1995;65(2):103-10.

Gwinnett AJ, Gorelick L. Microscopic evaluation of enamel after debonding: clinical application. Am J Orthod 1977;71(6):651-65.

Bennett CG, Shen C, Waldron JM. The effects of debonding on the enamel surface. J Clin Orthod 1984;18(5):330.

Zachrisson BU, Årthun J. Enamel surface appearance after various debonding techniques. Am J Orthod 1979;75(2):121-37.

Oliver RG. The effect of different methods of bracket removal onthe amount of residual adhesive. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1988;93(3):196-200.

Su MZ, Lai EHH, Chang JZC, Chen HJ, Chang FHF, Chiang YC, et al. Effect of simulated debracketing on enamel damage. J Formosa Med Ass 2012;111(10):560-6.

Zarrinnia K, Eid NM, Kehoe MJ. The effect of different debonding techniques on the enamel surface: an in vitro qualitative study. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1995;108(3):284-93.

Bishara SE, VonWald L, Laffoon JF, Warren JJ. Effect of a self-etch primer/adhesive on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2001;119(6):621-4.

Retief DH, Denys FR. Finishing of enamel surfaces after debonding of orthodontic attachments. Angle Orthod 1979;49(1):1-10.

Karan S, Kircelli BH, Tasdelen B. Enamel surface roughness after debonding: comparison of two different burs. Angle Orthod 2010;80(6):1081-8.

Özer T, Başaran G, Kama JD. Surface roughness of the restored enamel after orthodontic treatment. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010;137(3):368-74.

Mohebi S, Shafiee H-A, Ameli N. Evaluation of enamel surface roughness after orthodontic bracket debonding with atomic force microscopy. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2017;151(3):521-7.

Sfondrini MF, Scribante A, Fraticelli D, Roncallo S, Gandini P. Epidemiological survey of different clinical techniques of orthodontic bracket debonding and enamel polishing. J Orthod Sci 2015;4(4):123.

Webb BJ, Koch J, Hagan JL, Ballard RW, Armbruster PC. Enamel surface roughness of preferred debonding and polishing protocols. J Orthod 2016;43(1):39-46.

Fleming PS, Johal A, Pandis N. Self-etch primers and conventional acid-etch technique for orthodontic bonding: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2012;142(1):83-94.

Shukla C, Singh G, Jain U, Swamy K. Comparison of mean shear bond strength of light cure, self-cure composite resins, self-etching and moisture-insensitive primers: An in vitro study. J Indian Orthod Soc 2012;46(4 suppl 1):254-7.

Hong YH, Lew KKK. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of enamel surface following five composite removal methods after bracket debonding. Eur J Orthod 1995;17(2):121-8.

Bishara SE, Trulove TS. Comparisons of different debonding techniques for ceramic brackets: an in vitro study: part I. Background and methods. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1990;98(2):145-53.

Bishara SE, Trulove TS. Comparisons of different debonding techniques for ceramic brackets: an in vitro study: part II. Findings and clinical implications. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1990;98(3):263-73.

Bishara SE, Fonseca JM, Boyer DB. The use of debonding pliers in the removal of ceramic brackets: force levels and enamel cracks. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1995;108(3):242-8.

Bishara SE, Fonseca JM, Fehr DE, Boyer DB. Debonding forces applied to ceramic brackets simulating clinical conditions. Angle Orthod 1994;64(4):277-82.

Scott Jr GE. Fracture toughness and surface cracks—the key to understanding ceramic brackets. Angle Orthod 1988;58(1):5-8.

Uysal T, Eldeniz AU, Usumez S, Usumez A. Thermal changes in the pulp chamber during different adhesive clean-up procedures. Angle Orthod 2005;75(2):220-5.