Abstract

Rebonding of a dislodge bracket is considered as an economic saving option which can be done with use of in-office methods or by commercial recycling. The aim of this study was to compare the shear rebond strength (SRS) of brackets recycled with different resin removal methods. Eighty premolars were divided into four experimental groups. The teeth were bonded with metal brackets. The brackets were debonded and adhesive remnants were removed from bracket bases by means of Er:YAG laser, sandblasting, direct flame, and CO2 laser, respectively. Following adhesive removal from enamel surfaces with carbide bur, recycled brackets were rebonded. Finally, all brackets were debonded with a Dartec testing machine and the SRS values were determined. The SRS values of groups 3 and 4 were significantly lower compare to other groups (P value < 0.001). SEM examination showed complete adhesive removal from bracket base cleaned with Er:YAG laser irradiation. Microroughening of the base of sandblasted bracket was observed in the SEM image. Resin removal with direct flame and CO2 laser irradiation was incomplete. Er:YAG laser recycling of brackets is an efficient in-office method of reconditioning which caused minimum damage to the bracket base.