Post-Debonding Finishing in Orthodontics

April 16, 2026 updated by: Fabrizio Guerra, University of Roma La Sapienza

Post-Debonding Finishing: Analysis of Clinical Approaches for Maintaining Enamel Health

This study investigates clinical approaches to orthodontic debonding and post-debonding finishing, focusing on enamel preservation. An observational epidemiological survey was conducted among dental professionals to assess commonly used techniques, instruments, and complications. Results highlight variability in clinical protocols, with mechanical methods being the most widely adopted. The study emphasizes the importance of minimally invasive strategies to reduce enamel damage and improve patient outcomes.

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Detailed Description

This study explores orthodontic debonding and post-debonding finishing procedures, with particular emphasis on their impact on enamel integrity and long-term oral health. The study is an observational epidemiological investigation aimed at identifying current clinical practices, materials, and associated complications.

The research was conducted using an online questionnaire developed using Google Forms. The survey consisted of 23 questions (19 multiple-choice and 4 open-ended) and was distributed to dental professionals involved in orthodontic practice. Participants included orthodontists, general dentists with orthodontic experience, and orthodontic residents.

The questionnaire was structured into four sections: demographic and professional data, instruments and techniques used for debonding and polishing, clinical complications observed, and post-treatment management strategies. Inclusion criteria required professional involvement in orthodontic procedures and informed consent, while non-relevant dental professionals were excluded.

Data were anonymized and analyzed using spreadsheet software.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

100

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child
  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of dental professionals active in the field of orthodontics across Italy. The sample includes specialists and practitioners who perform orthodontic debonding and finishing procedures as part of their clinical routine.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Professional Background: Must be a dental professional with specific clinical knowledge and practical skills required to perform orthodontic therapies.
  • Specialization: Eligible participants must fall into one of the following categories: Orthodontist (Specialist), General Dentist with demonstrated clinical competence in orthodontics, Resident/Post-graduate student specializing in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Non-Orthodontic Professionals: Dental professionals who do not belong to the categories mentioned above are excluded, even if they work within the dental field.
  • Lack of Specific Competence: Practitioners who do not possess the necessary clinical expertise to perform orthodontic debonding and finishing procedures.
  • Incomplete Participation: Failure to provide informed consent or complete the mandatory sections of the epidemiological survey.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Dentists
Dentists who deal with orthodontics and post-debonding

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Prevalence and Type of Iatrogenic Enamel Damage Post-Orthodontic Debonding
Time Frame: At the completion of the orthodontic treatment (immediate post-debonding phase).
Evaluation of the frequency and nature of enamel alterations (e.g., fractures, scratches, or surface roughness) observed by practitioners following the removal of orthodontic brackets and residual resin. This measure assesses the clinical impact of different debonding and finishing protocols on enamel integrity. Higher scores indicate a worse outcome (higher frequency of iatrogenic damage)
At the completion of the orthodontic treatment (immediate post-debonding phase).
Frequency of Patient-Reported Dental Sensitivity and Pain
Time Frame: From the start of the debonding procedure up to the first follow-up visit (typically within a few weeks).
Assessment of the incidence of hypersensitivity (to thermal or tactile stimuli) and discomfort/pain reported by patients during or immediately after the debonding and finishing procedures.
From the start of the debonding procedure up to the first follow-up visit (typically within a few weeks).

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

University of Roma La Sapienza

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

January 1, 2024

Primary Completion (Actual)

April 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

June 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

April 9, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 9, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

April 16, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

April 20, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 16, 2026

Last Verified

April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 2024 (Other Grant/Funding Number: Rome Foundation)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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