Aim: To measure the rise in temperature during mechanical removal of residual adhesive after debonding of brackets in vitro. Methods: Different carbide burs on a high-speed handpiece were tested. Acrylic on the buccal surfaces of recently extracted human maxillary incisors was removed using 3 types of carbide burs (6-, 12-, 40-fluted) with a varying number of windings relative to the long axis of the shaft. The temperature was measured using a thermocouple probe in the pulp chamber of the extracted teeth. Results: The highest mean rise in temperature was measured using a 6-fluted bur (+9.4°C, P < .001), followed by the 12-fluted bur (+6.5°C, P < .001). The lowest rise in temperature (+1.2°C, not significant) was seen with a 40-fluted bur. After 3 to 8 seconds of continuous grinding, the rise in temperature seems to slow down. Conclusion: The removal of residual adhesive after debonding is best performed with fine burs. If 6-fluted burs are used, a pause after 5 to 10 seconds of continuous grinding is recommended, especially in the mandibular anterior area. World J Orthod 2006;7:357–360.