Evaluating the efficiency of Er,Cr:YSGG laser for recycling of debonded stainless steel orthodontic brackets: an in vitro study

The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of Er,Cr:YSGG laser therapy as a method for recycling debonded stainless steel orthodontic brackets. Sixty extracted premolar teeth bonded to stainless steel brackets were tested for rebonded shear bond strength after recycling by three protocols and compared with a control group. These 60 samples were randomized into four groups which were recycled by three protocols, namely, sandblasting, adhesive grinding by tungsten carbide bur, and Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase, Iplus, Biolase Technology, CA, USA), emitting a wavelength of 2780 nm, with an average power of 5 W; repetition rate, 20 Hz; pulse duration, 60 µs; water, 80%; air, 60%; and the control group where new brackets were used. After recycling, stereomicroscope and shear bond strength analysis were used to analyze the efficiency of the recycling protocols. Laser group showed the highest shear bond strength values. There was no statistically significant difference between bur removal and sandblasting; both showed the lowest values. Er,Cr:YSGG laser was found to be the most efficient protocol for orthodontic brackets recycling.