A new Fluorescence-aided Identification Technique (FIT) for optimal removal of resin-based bracket bonding remnants after orthodontic debracketing.

ABSTRACT

Tooth-colored resin-based bracket bonding agents are used to fix orthodontic brackets to teeth as inconspicuously as possible. However, after debonding the brackets, these tooth-colored bonding remnants remain on the tooth surface and must be removed to prevent adverse sequelae. Various techniques can be used, all of which cause varying damage to the tooth structure, as the transition between composite and enamel is visually difficult to detect. With the fluorescence-aided identification technique (FIT) presented here, the fluorescent properties of new orthodontic composites are used for visualization, thereby allowing the tooth-colored but fluorescent resin-based bracket bonding remnants to be removed under direct view quickly and without damaging the tooth.