Reconditioning of used metallic direct-bonding orthodontic brackets by using chemical solvents

Abstract

Thirteen different chemical solvents were used to remove the bonding adhesive from the metallic edgewise stainless steel direct-bonding orthodontic brackets. These solvents were Alcohol, Alcohol with (1)gm Ascorbic acid, Water with 1 gm Ascorbic acid, Acetic acid, Acetone, mixture of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, Ammonium hydroxide,(40-50%) potassium hydroxide,trichloroacetic acid, Hydrogen peroxide (30%), Toluene, Pyridine. It was found that the Pyridine is the most powerful solvent that remove the adhesive material from the bracket base without damaging or weakening the delicate bracket base mesh.