Does the CO2 laser reduce bond strength in different types of ceramic brackets?

CO2 laser irradiation for debonding ceramic orthodontic brackets

This study evaluated shear bond strength (SBS), adhesive remnant index (ARI) and fracture mode of chemically and mechanically retained ceramic brackets bonded with different composite resins and irradiated with CO2 laser. The null hypothesis was that ceramic brackets bonded with different composite resins and irradiated with CO2 laser would have similar SBS values. Ninety human premolars were divided into four experimental groups according to the combination of type of composite resin (Transbond XT and Z 250) and type of ceramic bracket (Fascination and Mystique), and two control groups (n=15). In the four experimental groups, the brackets were irradiated with CO2 laser at 10 W for 3 seconds before SBS testing. Enamel surface ARI was calculated after debonding under electron microscopy scanning. ANOVA and the Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical analysis. The laser groups had lower SBS values than the non-irradiated groups (control) (p<0.05). The mechanically retained brackets (Mystique) had the higher (p<0.05) and Z250 had the lower SBS values after CO2 laser irradiation. The groups bonded with Z250 had the highest ARI. Adhesive fractures were the most prevalent. The null hypothesis was rejected. CO2 laser decreased SBS efficiently and facilitated debonding of mechanically and chemically retained ceramic brackets.

Effect of an Er,Cr:YSGG Laser on the Debonding of Lithium Disilicate Veneers With Four Different Thicknesses

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare in vitro the resistance and type of failure in the debonding of lithium disilicate veneers with four different thicknesses using an erbium chromium yttrium-scandium gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser. Methods: Sixty-eight bovine teeth were used to bond round lithium disilicate veneers with a 6-millimeter diameter and four different thicknesses: group 1 (0.4 mm), group 2 (0.8 mm), group 3 (1.2 mm) and group 4 (1.6 mm). Each sample was irradiated with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser with 4 W of power and a frequency of 50 Hz, during 60 seconds, scanning concentrically. The energy density per pulse or fluency applied was 5.33 J/cm2 for the four groups. The samples were subjected to a force in a universal testing machine and then observed under a microscope to determine the type of failure. Data were statistically analyzed with the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The tendency in the results revealed that the thicker veneers showed more resistance to the debonding process. The debonding strength for group 3 was the highest (5.62 MPa), followed by group 4 (5.20 MPa), then group 2 (0.85 MPa) and finally group 1 (0.0 MPa). The most frequent type of failure was cohesive failure in cement (CC) for all groups, with 73.53% (P ≤ 0.083). Conclusion: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation influences the debonding of lithium disilicate veneers with different thicknesses: the smaller thickness showed the greater debonding. The thickness of veneers was not associated with the type of failure.

Er,Cr:YSGG Laser in the Debonding of Feldspathic Porcelain Veneers: An In Vitro Study of Two Different Fluences

Background: New applications in laser technology in aesthetic restorative dentistry merit further research. This study compares the debonding strength and failure mode of feldspathic ceramic veneers using either Er,Cr:YSGG (erbium,chromium:ytrrium-scandium-gallium-garnet) laser at two levels of fluency or no laser (control group). Methods: An in vitro comparative study was carried out using bovine teeth that were randomly distributed into 3 groups of 21 specimens each: (a) experimental group 1 (EG1): irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG (Waterlase iPlus®; Biolase, Irvine) at an energy density per pulse of 4 J/cm2, using a handpiece (Turbo; Biolase) with a sapphire tip (MX7) and applying the beam perpendicular to the specimen at a distance of 4 mm for 60 sec; (b) experimental group 2 (EG2): irradiated as in EG1, but at 2.7 J/cm2; and (c) control group (CG): debonding without laser irradiation. Results: The stress required for veneer debonding was 8.19 MPa in CG, 0.91 MPa in EG1, and 0.48 MPa in EG2. The difference between the control and both experimental groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The percentages of adhesive failure were 40%, 61.9%, and 96%, respectively. Conclusions: Using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 4 or 2.7 J/cm2 requires significantly less force to debond ceramic veneers. The percentage of adhesive failures in the two experimental protocols was higher than in the control group. Application of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser using the parameters in this study may be useful in removing feldspathic ceramic veneers, avoiding damaging them and protecting the enamel.