Objectives: Reduction of tooth size by Proximal Stripping has been in existence in orthodontic therapy since 1944 and has gained popularity with the increasing focus on non-extraction therapy. Proximal Enamel is much thicker than the Labial Enamel and may even be considered Vestigial. Proximal Stripping when judiciously done can create approximately 8.9mm of space per arch which can avoid the undesired effects of expansion or extraction. But there is no substantial literature to suggest the optimal method of stripping with conflicting reports. This study was done to compare different methods of Proximal stripping to assess the surface roughness of enamel quantitatively after stripping using a special tool called a Profilometer thereby helping the clinician decide on an optimal method which is biologically healthy and prevents iatrogenic damage.
Method: 80 human upper premolars were divided into 8 groups depending on stripping with different methods like Diamond coated metal strip, Safe-sided stripping disk, Tungsten carbide 699 L bur along with fine 135 diamonds burs and Chemical stripping. These groups were compared with the groups in which the aforementioned methods were followed by polishing with Sof-Lex discs.The enamel surfaces were then evaluated for surface roughness using a profilometer.
Results: Stripping with safe sided stripping disc followed by polishing with Sof-Lex discs produced the smoothest enamel surface. The Roughest enamel surface was obtained when the teeth were chemically stripped.
Conclusions: The study proved that polishing immediately after stripping significantly reduced the surface roughness and should be a mandatory procedure after any kind of stripping.