The differentiation of resin remnants from enamel is a critical factor to minimize enamel damage after bracket debonding. This study was conducted to produce, and ascertain the efficacy of two colouring agents in minimizing enamel loss, adhesive and bonding remnants, and surface roughness after debonding.

Two dyes containing annatto (orange colour) and curcumin (yellow colour) were produced. Seventy-two maxillary premolars were divided into three groups. After bracket bonding and debonding, the adhesive remnant was removed with a fine diamond bur. In groups 1 and 2, the orange and yellow dyes were utilized during the removal process, respectively. In group 3 (control) adhesive was removed with no colouring agent. The buccolingual dimension of the teeth was measured at the occlusal, middle, and apical areas, before bonding and after clean-up. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) and bonding remnant index (BRI) scores were recorded and the surface roughness parameters were measured. Data were analysed by ANOVA, Tukey, and Fisher's exact tests (α=0.05).

Enamel loss was significantly lower in the groups cleaned by the use of colouring agents than that of the control group (P<0.05). No bonding agent was observed when the dyes were used, whereas 65% of teeth in the control group showed the remaining bonding material (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in ARI scores or surface roughness alterations among the study groups (P>0.05).

The two dyes produced in this study were effective in enhancing the visibility of residual resin materials and minimizing enamel loss during the clean-up process.