Fluorescent and Stereomicroscopic Evaluation of Splatter and Settled Aerosols Generated during Three Different Orthodontic Procedures: An in Vitro Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the magnitude of generated aerosols and the extent and intensity of splatter during three orthodontic procedures: orthodontic bonding, motorized interproximal reduction, and debonding and clean-up of adhesive remnants

Materials and Methods: Ten extracted teeth were mounted in a phantom jaw. Acridine orange dye was injected into the water irrigation reservoir. For each procedure, 24 grade-I filter paper discs at 2,4,6,8,10 and 12 o’clock positions at 1, 2,3, and 4ft distances, and 5 additional discs were placed on the operator’s face shield and right arm. After each procedure, the filter papers were left in place and the operator remained in his position for 30 minutes. The filter papers were analyzed for the amount and concentration of acridine orange dye using a stereomicroscope and a fluorescent microscope.

Results: Maximum contamination occurred at the 4 o’clock position at 1ft and 2ft. Minimum was at the 10 o’clock position at 1ft distance in all procedures. Contamination of filter papers was found to be maximum on the operator’s face shield and minimum on the operator’s right arm for all three procedures. The intensity of contamination was similarly maximum at 1ft. distance at the 4 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions for the first procedure and the at 4 o’clock position for the second and third procedures. It was equally minimum at 12, 8 and 10 o’clock positions at 1ft distance in all 3 procedures.

Conclusion: Orthodontic procedures produce localized contamination, highlighting the need for protective equipment for the operator, assistant and patient.