EVALUATION OF ENAMEL SURFACE USING EDI AND ESRS INDEX AFTER REMOVAL OF THE FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE

Abstract

Introduction: After completion of therapy with fixed orthodontic appliances, it is necessary to remove the brackets and the remaining adhesive. The process of removing the brackets and adhesive can lead to iatrogenic damage to the enamel surface. The aim of this research was to make a visual assessment of the enamel surface after application of the Enamel Surface Rating System and Enamel Damage Index after application of the green stone for the removal of the adhesive remnants, after completion of therapy with fixed orthodontic appliances. Material and Method: Within the research, 40 human premolars, extracted for orthodontic purposes, were collected. The back surface of all premolars was treated with 37% orthophosphoric acid and then the metal brackets were placed on 20 premolars. After the removal of the brackets, the residual adhesive was removed with a green stone. A visual assessment of the damage to the enamel was performed by the application of the Enamel Surface Rating System and the Enamel Damage Index. Results: The most commonly estimated score with EDI at the overall level was 1 (52.5%), while the most commonly estimated score by ESRS was 4 (35%). A statistically significant difference was observed between the examined groups. Conclusion: Using the ESRS index and the EDI index, significant enamel damage was determined after the application of green pebbles to remove the remaining adhesive after the completion of therapy with fixed orthodontic appliances. As part of the protocol for removing the rest of the adhesive after removing the fixed orthodontic appliance, it is recommended that the green stone be used at the very beginning of the removal of the adhesive, while the instrument is away from the viewing surface.