Lack of standardization of the retention phase has led to many studies of stability of movements and characteristic of retainers, disregarding the enamel repercussions of fixed retention on this phase. This study aimed to analyze different methods of enamel polishing after detachment of orthodontic retainers. Forty-five healthy premolars were divided into three groups according to the polishing bur after debonding, and four specimens without intervention were used as control. A 0.038 × 0.015 inches gold chain was bonded between the premolars and then removed. The adhesive remnant was removed with three types of burs according to the study groups (Group 1: white stone at high speed; Group 2: high-speed handpiece with a 30-blade tungsten carbide bur; Group 3: low-speed handpiece and a 30-blade tungsten bur). After debonding and polishing, all samples were analyzed with a confocal microscopy on surface roughness parameters: Sa: Arithmetic mean of the height of the surface. Rq: Square mean of the height of the surface and Sz: Maximum surface height. Mechanical tests were carried out to determine the bonding stress of the retention adhered to the teeth using an electromechanical testing machine. The adhesion stress was 8.23 MPa (±0.87). The quality of the refinement of the enamel after debonding is essential in order to preserve its integrity. The use of the 30-blade tungsten carbide bur provides a smooth enamel surface after polishing.
Keywords: dental debonding; dental polishing; orthodontics; retention.