Comparing the effect of two polishing systems on surface roughness of feldspathic, lithium disilicate, and translucent zirconia ceramics after orthodontic bracket debonding: An in vitro study.

Introduction: Debonding of orthodontic brackets on ceramic restorations leave a rough surface which should be efficiently polished. In this study the effect of two diamond polishing systems (DPS), namely Optra Fine® (OF) and Diapol Twist® (DT) on surface roughness (SR) of feldspathic (F), lithium disilicate (LD), and translucent zirconia (TZ) ceramics assessed after bracket debonding.

Materials And Methods: Ninety disc-shaped specimens fabricated from F, LD, and TZ ceramics and glazed (Gl). Ten glazed specimens of 3 ceramic types served as control (C) groups (n=30). Other 60 specimens were deglazed, and after specific surface preparation according to ceramic type, upper central incisor brackets were bonded. After debonding, the remaining adhesive composite removed with tungsten carbide bur and specimens randomly assigned into 6 groups. The nine experimental groups defined as: Glazed F specimens (C), Deglazed F specimens polished with DT, Deglazed F specimens polished with OF, Glazed LD specimens (C), Deglazed LD specimens polished with DT, Deglazed LD specimens polished with OF, Glazed TZ specimens (C), Deglazed TZ specimens polished with DT, Deglazed TZ specimens polished with OF. The SR assessed quantitatively by profilometry (Ra and Rz parameter) and qualitatively by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Quantitative data were statistically analysed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, two-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test (α=0.05).

Results: No significant difference found in SR of three glazed ceramic types (P=0.293 for Ra and P=0.473 for Rz). There was no significant difference of Ra between polished and glazed groups (P>0.05). However, difference in Rz was significant (P<0.05), and only TZ specimens could reach to the level of smoothness caused by glazing.

Conclusions: Both diamond polishing systems can efficiently reduce the surface roughness, despite of ceramic type. Optra Fine® system showed a superior performance than Diapol Twist® without significant difference.

Limitations: In this study only one brand of each ceramic type was investigated. This study was approved by Ethical Review Committee (IR.IAU.KHUISF.REC.1401.156).