Ceramic bracket debonding with ytterbium fiber laser

Since the early 1990s, lasers have been used experimentally for debonding ceramic brackets. Lasers reduce the required debonding force and risk of enamel damage. However, the thermal effect during the laser radiation on dental tissues can cause undesirable results. The aim of this study is to develop a laser debonding technique for ceramic brackets that is better than mechanical debonding and also to minimize the side-effects of laser applications. A new fiber laser (1,070-nm ytterbium fiber laser) was tested, debonding procedure was quantified with a universal testing machine, and intrapulpal temperature was monitored for limiting the injury or pain. Experiments were performed in two sections according to the type of lasing mode: continuous wave (CW) and modulated mode. In continuous wave (CW) mode, a laser was applied on samples with different constant power levels continuously. In the second set of experiments, brackets were irradiated in modulated mode, in which the laser energy was delivered with on-and-off cycles. Laser power and duty cycles were adjusted by controlling the current, which was set to 4.99 A of current for 18 W of emission. Debonding force, debonding time, and work done by a universal testing machine were all significantly decreased for both modalities of laser irradiation compared to the control group. When laser parameters were set to proper doses, a 50% of reduction in required load for debonding and a three-fold decrease in debonding time were observed. Intrapulpal temperature changes were below the accepted threshold value (5.5°C) until the level of 3.5 W of laser power in continuous wave mode. During debonding, the work done by the universal testing machine is decreased up to five times by irradiation. Parameters were compared for both modes of operations and it was concluded that modulated mode laser application (Group 300/900) provided faster and easier debonding with less temperature change.