Etching enamel for orthodontics with an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser system

Objective: To test the shear bond strength, surface characteristics, and fracture mode of brackets that are bonded to enamel etched with an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser operated at different power outputs: 0.5 W, 1 W, and 2 W. Materials and Methods: Human premolars that had been extracted for orthodontic purposes were used. Enamel was etched with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser system operated at one of three power outputs or with orthophosphoric acid. Results: The shear bond strength associated with the 0.5-W laser irradiation was significantly less than the strengths obtained with the other irradiations. Both the 1-W and 2-W laser irradiations were capable of etching enamel in the same manner. This finding was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy examination. The evaluation of adhesive-remnant-index scores demonstrated no statistically significant difference in bond failure site among the groups, except for the 0.5-W laser-etched group. Generally, more adhesive was left on the enamel surface with laser irradiation than with acid etching. Conclusion: The mean shear bond strength and enamel surface etching obtained with an Er,Cr: YSGG laser (operated at 1 W or 2 W for 15 seconds) is comparable to that obtained with acid etching.