Effect of Nd:YAG laser and aluminum oxide sandblasting preconditioning on lingual enamel: brackets shear bond strength and morphological characterization

It is known that Nd:YAG laser radiation on dental structure can increase enamel resistance to demineralization; however, few studies report its impact in orthodontics. This study aimed to verify the interaction of Nd:YAG laser and aluminum oxide sandblasting (Al2O3) as preconditioning treatment of lingual brackets bonding to quantify the shear bond strength (SBS) and to characterize the enamel after different surface preconditioning techniques. Thirty-five bovines’ incisors were divided in 5 groups (n=7), according to the preconditioning. All groups had the lingual brackets bonded with Transbond XT adhesive according to manufacturer’ protocol, and shear bonded after 72h. Samples were analyzed by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Scanning Eletronic Microscope (SEM) to verify enamel alterations. Optical attenuation coefficient (α) was measured before any preconditioning (T0) and after preconditioning surface (T1) for each group. Statistics analysis ANOVA-test was used, followed by Post Hoc Tukey for shear bond strength data, and Kruskal Wallis and post hoc Dunn test for α data. SEM and OCT qualitative analysis showed the melting effect with laser irradiation and enamel crystal surface disorganization with sandblasting in T1 and after shear bond. All groups were adequate for SBS and the statistical differences (p=0.0034) among groups showed better results for groups with techniques association (laser and Al2O3 used in this or in reverse order) and the highest SBS when laser was used after. The Al2O3 removes part of melting effect. The α had statistical difference (p= 0.0124) among groups, increasing with laser and Al2O3 isolated and decrease with techniques association.