Abstrakt
The goal of the study was investigation of Er:YAG radiation (wavelength 2.94 mu m) interaction with various metal and ceramic brackets and adhesive materials. The source of radiation was a free-running Er: YAG laser generating pulses with energy 280 mJ, 250 mu s long and repetition rate 6 Hz (mean power 1.7 W).
During the treatment lasting 140 s, water cooling was implemented and only the brackets were irradiated. It has been observed that the brackets were removed easily after the Er: YAG laser irradiation, and temperature rise was limited also for metal brackets.
SEM investigation has confirmed less damage of enamel in comparison with non-irradiated samples.