Comparison of Different Debonding Techniques of Clear Aligner Attachments

This study was conducted to compare two different debonding techniques used for removing clear aligner attachments and to evaluate their effects on pain perception, removal time, and adhesive remnants on the enamel surface. Clear aligner attachments are routinely used to enhance tooth movement, and their removal at the end of treatment should be efficient, safe, and comfortable for patients. However, there is limited clinical evidence evaluating patient-centered outcomes.

This single-center, split-mouth, randomized clinical trial included participants who had completed clear aligner treatment or the first set of clear aligners and required removal of composite attachments. Each participant received both debonding techniques in diagonally opposite quadrants to allow direct comparison within the same individual. In the plier technique, attachments were mechanically disengaged using adhesive removal pliers, followed by refinement of the enamel surface with a 24-blade tungsten carbide finishing bur. In the bur technique, attachments were completely removed using a 24-blade tungsten carbide bur without prior mechanical detachment. All procedures were performed at low speed and without water cooling.

Pain intensity was assessed immediately after debonding each segment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable), where higher scores indicate worse pain. Removal time for each attachment was recorded using a digital timer. Adhesive remnants were evaluated using a modified Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) scored from 0 to 2. Additional analyses examined whether pain scores differed by age, gender, and attachment type (optimized vs. conventional).

The overall aim of this study was to provide clinically relevant evidence to guide orthodontists in selecting an attachment removal technique that maximizes patient comfort, improves clinical efficiency, and minimizes adhesive remaining on the enamel surface at the end of clear aligner therapy.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 18 to 44 years with permanent dentition
• No history of taking medication in the last 24 hours (e.g., painkillers, corticosteroids, and antiflu drugs)
• Patients with no missing teeth except for third molars
• Patients who underwent clear aligner treatment (Invisalign®) without an extraction protocol by one of the co-authors of the present study
• Patients who completed aligner treatment and reached the attachment removal stage
• Patients with at least 4 attachments in each quadrant of the mouth and a total of at least 16 attachments
• Patients in good general and oral health with no periodontal disease

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with endodontic treatment, large restorations, and buccal restorations
• Patients with a history of previous orthodontic treatment
• The presence of systemic diseases that may cause dentin and enamel hypersensitivity
• Patients who underwent surgical treatment and displayed signs of gingival recession
• Patients who received teeth whitening in the last 8 weeks.