Orthodontic stripping is used to reduce interproximal enamel tissue to solve aesthetic and occlusal problems. There is a wide variety of stripping instruments available on the market. In this study, a qualitative analysis was performed by means of scanning electron microscope with the aim of acquiring information about the efficiency of different manual, mechanical and optical enamel reduction techniques. The paper is especially dedicated to the in vitro use of the Er, Cr: YSGG laser for orthodontic purpose – an objective that has not been indicated and evaluated so far in clinical practice.