Colagem e descolagem de bráquetes metálicos: : perfil operacional dos ortodontistas de Minas Gerais, 2007

Abstract

The orthodontic therapy is composed by several steps such as the bonding and the debonding of the fixed appliances. These steps are important in order to get an esthetic and functional occlusion without causing damages to the dental surface. Many studies have been performed in order to achieve more developed methods of diagnostic and materials. However, the procedures of enamel surface treatment may be done according to different protocols, which sometimes are controversial. This study aimed to delineate the profile of the orthodontists that work in the state of Minas Gerais. It investigated the techniques used for the bonding and the debonding of fixed appliances. A questionnaire was sent to all the specialists registered in the CRO-MG. The response rate was of 49.64% (278 orthodontists). This material was analyzed in two different phases. At first, a descriptive analysis of the responses identifiedthe professionals profiles associating them with the literature. In the second phase, an analysis of multi-dimensional data was done with the simultaneous evaluation of the variables. The results show that: 221 (71%) professionals prepare the enamel surface before and after the orthodontic therapy. There is an obvious divergence between the literature and the professionals opinion about the location of the bonding agent after the brackets debonding. The large majority notice damages in the enamel surface wherever the bonding agent is located. There is a great variability in the finishing and polishing procedures. It could be concluded that there is a need to establish appropriated protocols forthe final procedures of the debonding. There is also a need of interactionbetween orthodontics and the clinical specialties in order to optimize theprocedures of bonding and debonding of fixed appliances since the majority of the local professionals proceed according to the literature. More studies must be developed in order to get a protocol less aggressive to the dental enamel.