Enamel surface abrasion from ceramic orthodontic brackets: a special case report.

The purpose of this report is to present a dramatic case of enamel abrasion from ceramic orthodontic appliances that was discovered only after appreciation of the initial findings of a study underway at the Department of Orthodontics, University of Minnesota. An artificial oral environment used in this study to simulate mastication also is described. The potential detrimental effects of ceramic appliances on tooth contact are discussed. All aspects of any new material should be investigated before its clinical application to prevent undesired side effects.