Laser-assisted Bleaching Research Articles

Effectiveness of Laser-Assisted Teeth Bleaching: A Systematic Review

Objective: Esthetic dentistry is an important factor in increasing patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the impact of laser use on bleaching procedures for natural teeth and dental restorative materials. Methods: In January 2024, an electronic search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), and Scopus databases with the keywords (tooth) AND (laser) AND (bleaching), following PRISMA guidelines and the PICO framework. The initial search yielded 852 articles, of which 441 were screened. After applying inclusion criteria, 376 articles were excluded as they did not focus on the use of lasers in bleaching natural teeth and restorative materials. Consequently, 40 articles were included in the final review. Results: Of the 40 qualified publications, 29 utilized a diode laser, of which 10 authors concluded that it increases the whitening effect comparing classical methods. Three of included publications investigated the whitening of dental materials, while another three focused on endodontically treated teeth. Whitening procedures on ceramics effectively removed discoloration, but the resulting color did not significantly differ from the initial shade. Conversely, composite materials not only failed to bleach but also exhibited altered physical properties, thereby increasing their susceptibility to further discoloration. The KTP laser demonstrated promising outcomes on specific stains. The Er,Cr:YSGG and Er:YAG lasers also showed beneficial effects, although there were variations in their efficacy and required activation times. Conclusions: The findings partially indicate that laser-assisted bleaching improves the whitening of natural teeth. Further research on the effect of laser bleaching on the physical parameters of restorative materials is necessary.

Effect of laser irradiation during in-office tooth bleaching on surface properties of resin-based restorative materials.

This study evaluated the changes in surface properties of three resin-based restorative materials after two laser-assisted, in-office tooth bleaching protocols using erbium, chromium: yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) or diode (980nm) lasers. A nanohybrid composite (Enamel Plus HRi), a Bis-GMA-free composite (Enamel Plus HRi Bio Function), and a resin-matrix CAD-CAM ceramic (Shofu Block HC) were tested. Forty specimens for each material were prepared and divided into four groups (n=10/group). The control specimens did not undergo any bleaching treatment, whereas group 2 received bleaching with 40% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), while groups 3 and 4 underwent the same bleaching procedure with the use of diode (980nm) or Er,Cr:YSGG lasers, respectively. Surface microhardness and roughness measurements were conducted using a Vickers tester and an optical profilometer. Microhardness was lower in bleached specimens, with the nanohybrid composite exhibiting the largest difference from the no bleaching group. For the Bis-GMA-free composite the microhardness difference between no bleaching and laser-assisted bleaching were smaller than seen for the conventional bleaching technique. Surface roughness was higher in bleached specimens, with nanohybrid composite showing the largest differences from the control specimens. The examined laser-assisted tooth bleaching protocols were found not to impact surface microhardness and roughness of the tested resin-based specimens and they are deemed suitable for clinical use.

Thermal Effects on Dental Pulp during Laser-Assisted Bleaching Procedures with Diode Lasers in a Clinical Study.

Background In the current cosmetics industry, bleaching is often associated with lasers. However, such treatment also harbors risks. Tooth death is observed at pulpal temperature increases ≥5.6 °C. Therefore, it seems important to investigate the effects of using different lasers. The aim of this study was to determine pulpal temperature increases at different laser parameters during bleaching by modeling a realistic environment and to compare the temperature recording using a thermocouple and thermal camera. The authors assumed that there are laser settings for the lasers used at which the pulpal temperature increases are <5.6 °C and that the temperature recordings with thermocouples and thermal cameras differ only minimally. Methods Human teeth were used, which were extracted for dental reasons. During experiment, teeth were bleached conventionally and by laser activation at 940 nm, 445 nm, and 970 nm. The temperature in the pulp was recorded using thermocouples. In a second setup, longitudinally halved teeth were bleached, while the temperature in the pulp was recorded with a thermocouple and thermal camera. Descriptive statistics were used. The significance level is 0.05. Results In addition to conventional bleaching, temperature increases <5.6 °C were observed for bleaching at 940 nm 1.5 W, at 445 nm 0.3 W, and at 970 nm 0.5 W. For bleaching procedures using 940 nm 7 W, 940 nm 2 W, 445 nm 0.5 W, and 970 nm 1 W, the temperature increase was ≥5.6 °C. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the maximum temperature increases (°C) between all groups. Temperature recordings using a thermocouple and thermal camera differed by about 2.3 °C. The working hypotheses were confirmed. Conclusion With laser bleaching, attention must be paid to the type of laser, its power, and the time in order to avoid excessive overheating of the dental pulp.

Comparative evaluation of bond strength of diode and neodymium-doped:Yttrium aluminum garnet-assisted bleached enamel with nanofilled composite: An in vitro study.

The world of esthetic dentistry is constantly making efforts toward the management of tooth staining. Laser-assisted bleaching is needed before adhesive restorations and has become common and advantageous as it accelerates bleaching action, reduces postoperative sensitivity, and promotes recrystallization of enamel. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the bond strength of diode (Biolace: EpicX) and neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) (LightWalker, Fotona, Slovenia) assisted bleached (Pola Office, SDI) enamel with nanofilled composite (GC Solare Sculpt). The samples were divided into three groups (n = 11): Group A - Conventionally bleached enamel, Group B - Diode laser-assisted bleached enamel, Group C - Nd:YAG laser-assisted bleached enamel. After storing samples in Artificial Saliva for 2 weeks, bonding was performed, and nanofilled composite resin was applied through an incremental method. Samples were subjected to shear bond strength (SBS) analysis. The use of Nd:YAG laser on bleached enamel significantly increases the bond strength with nanofilled composite resin.

Evaluation of the Effect of Phosphoric Acid or Er: YAG Laser on the Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets to Enamel Surfaces Followed by 980-Laser Assisted Bleaching: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: The residual oxygen remained on tooth surface after bleaching may interfere with adhesion of brackets to enamel surface. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of phosphoric acid and Er: YAG laser as an etching technique on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets to enamel surfaces after 980-laser-assisted bleaching. Methods: A total of 84 human premolars were recruited in the present study. Samples were divided into 6 groups including conventional bleaching with conventional etching, conventional bleaching with Er: YAG laser etching, laser-assisted bleaching with conventional etching, and Laser-assisted bleaching with Er: YAG laser etching, without bleaching with traditional etching, and without bleaching+Er: YAG laser etching. Following thermocycling, the debonding of brackets was conducted using a universal testing machine. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) microscope evaluation and adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were assessed. The comparison of SBS values between groups was carried out by means of a one-way analysis of variance, followed by post-hoc tests. Results: The non-bleaching with conventional etching group showed the highest SBS mean value (23.45±5.16 MPa), whereas the conventional bleaching with conventional etching group represented the lowest SBS mean value (8.8±3.83 MPa). In all groups, the most common type of failure was classified as either score 1 or score 2. No significant difference was observed in terms of SBS mean between the groups (P=0.165); however, the average SBS of bleached teeth was significantly lower, compared to the non-bleached group (P=0.000). Honeycomb structure and porosity were observed following Er: YAG laser etching on the tooth surface. Conclusion: Increased bond strength of brackets was observed in bleached teeth following Er: YAG laser etching. Therefore, if necessary, bond the brackets on the same day of bleaching will be done, the application of Er:YAG laser as etching technique will can be recommended.

Effect of Different Bleaching Methods on Monomer Release from Aged Microhybrid and Nanohybrid Resin Composites.

Recently, the application of laser-assisted bleaching has increased in dental practice. This method might affect the physical and chemical properties of resin composite and its monomer release. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of in-office, at-home, and laser-assisted bleaching on the monomer release (bisphenol A diglycidyl dimethacrylate (BisGMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA)) from aged nanohybrid (Grandio, Voco) and microhybrid (Clearfil AP-X Esthetics, Kuraray) resin composites. Thirty-two samples of each composite were prepared. The samples underwent aging procedure with UV light at 65°C for 100 hr. The samples were divided into 4 groups: OB: conventional in-office bleaching with Opalescence Boost PF 40% gel; HB: home bleaching with Opalescence PF 15% gel; LB: bleaching with JW Power bleaching gel followed by diode laser application; and C: control group without bleaching. Then, the samples were immersed in a solution containing 75% ethanol + 25% distilled water. The medium was renewed after 8, 16, 24 hr, and 7 days and was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography method to evaluate the monomer release. The data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA and Post hoc Tukey test. The bleaching method had no effect on TEGDMA and BisGMA release in both composites while it affected UDMA release in nanohybrid composite; UDMA release was significantly higher in LB compared to control and also higher in OB and LB compared to HB. No difference was observed in the microhybrid composite in this regard. Laser-assisted bleaching did not affect monomer release from microhybrid composite while it increased UDMA release from nanohybrid composite. The bleaching method had no effect on TEGDMA and BisGMA release.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Laser-Assisted Bleaching of the Teeth Discolored due to Regenerative Endodontic Treatment.

Regenerative endodontic treatments (RETs) as a valuable treatment option to save the immature necrotic teeth, have been reported to be associated with discoloration which is an inevitable unfavorable outcome. The present study aimed to compare three laser-assisted protocols with conventional walking bleaching in terms of bleaching efficacy. Seventy-two human incisor teeth underwent regenerative treatment. A triple antibiotic paste containing minocycline, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole was used as an intracanal medicament. A human blood clot was applied as a scaffold and capped by a hydraulic calcium silicate-based cement. Ten weeks after the RET procedure, a four-session bleaching course started. Teeth were assigned to four groups: (1) 35% hydrogen peroxide gel, (2) 35% hydrogen peroxide gel + Nd: YAG laser, (3) 35% hydrogen peroxide gel + 980 nm diode laser, and (4) 35% hydrogen peroxide gel + 810 nm diode laser. The color changes (ΔE) were measured before and after bleaching sessions. The data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric test. The statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Significant discoloration, exceeding the perceptibility threshold (ΔE > 3.7) was observed in all of the samples ten weeks after RET. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of RET-induced discoloration values (p > 0.05). Bleaching either by using 35% hydrogen peroxide or 35% hydrogen peroxide activated by different lasers used in this study resulted in significant tooth whitening (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of bleaching efficacy (p > 0.05). Internal bleaching by using 35% hydrogen peroxide is as effective as laser-assisted protocols for correction of crown discoloration in teeth that have undergone RET.

Comparing the Surface Behavior of Conventional and CAD-CAM Feldspathic Porcelains in the Face of Laser-Assisted Bleaching and Post-bleach Polishing.

Introduction: The prevalence of using different esthetic methods increases the possibility of close contact between them with potential adverse interactions. This study aimed to compare the surface changes (microhardness and roughness) in two types of feldspathic porcelain after laser bleaching and post-bleach polishing. Methods: 12 standardized rectangular specimens were prepared for each porcelain group (conventionally layered and CAD-CAM milled). Vickers microhardness and roughness were evaluated before and after the bleaching procedure and after polishing. Data were statistically analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and t test (P < 0.05). Results: The surface roughness of both groups increased significantly after laser bleaching (P < 0.001 for conventional and P=0.004 for CAD-CAM porcelains). The polishing process reduced the roughness of both groups; the reduction was significant in conventional specimens (P=0.020). The surface hardness values did not change significantly in the groups after bleaching and post-bleach polishing stages (P=0.142). Generally, the average surface roughness of CAD-CAM specimens was significantly lower (P < 0.001), and the surface microhardness of the CAD-CAM group was significantly higher than conventional porcelains (P=0.011). Conclusion: Laser bleaching significantly increased the surface roughness of feldspathic porcelains; however, it did not affect the surface microhardness significantly. Unlike CAD-CAM specimens, polishing significantly improved the surface smoothness of conventional porcelains.

Evaluation of the efficacy of diode laser in bleaching of the tooth at different time intervals using spectrophotometer: An in vitro study.

Aim:This study aimed at comparative evaluation of the efficacy of tooth bleaching using different concentrations of carbamide peroxide (CP) with and without diode laser at 980 nm for 2.5 and 5 min time duration.Materials and Methods:Hundred intact human incisors were selected. Teeth were artificially stained using black tea solution. Samples were randomly allocated into four groups: Group I: distilled water, Group II: 15%, 20%, and 35% CP without laser, Group III: 15%, 20%, and 35% CP using diode laser for 2.5 min, and Group IV: 15%, 20%, and 35% CP using diode laser for 5 min. Color measurements were made using spectrophotometer. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA, repeated measures of ANOVA, and Tukey post hoc test.Results:35% concentration of CP gave similar mean shade (ΔE) value at T2, as 15% CP at T3. At T3, 15% concentration of CP using diode laser for 2.5 min gave similar mean shade (ΔE) value, as 35% concentration of CP using diode laser for 2.5 min.Conclusion:35% CP causes change in chroma and whitens the tooth at a faster rate with a significantly more lightening effect. Bleaching twice weekly produces a similar effect when using high or low concentrations of CP. Laser-assisted bleaching decreases the time of whitening process.

Evaluation of Monomer Elution and Surface Roughness of a Polymer-Infiltrated Ceramic Network CAD–CAM Material After Er,Cr:YSGG Laser-assisted Tooth Bleaching

The aim of this in vitro study was to examine the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser-assisted tooth bleaching treatment on the elution of monomers and surface roughness of a hybrid computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) material, and to compare it with a resin composite for direct restorations. Forty specimens of a hybrid CAD-CAM material (Enamic) and forty of a conventional resin composite (Tetric) were fabricated and randomly divided into four groups (n=10). Half of the specimens of each material were stored in distilled water and the other half in artificial saliva for 7 days. At the end of this period, the storage medium was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the surface roughness parameters of the specimens were evaluated by optical imaging noncontact interferometric profilometry. Afterwards, half of the specimens of each tested material received a conventional in-office tooth bleaching treatment and the other half an Er,Cr:YSGG laser-assisted bleaching treatment, and then they were again incubated in distilled water and artificial saliva for an additional 7-day time period. At the end of this period, the effect of the bleaching treatments on elution of monomers and surface roughness of the tested materials was evaluated. Bisphenol A (BPA), urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), and bisphenol A-glycidyl dimethacrylate (BisGMA) were eluted from the conventional resin composite into both the solutions tested. Only TEGDMA was eluted from the hybrid CAD-CAM material. However, no statistically significant differences were found among the surface roughness parameters of both materials. Both the conventional and Er,Cr:YSGG laser-assisted tooth bleaching treatments affected the monomer elution from the composite resin. However, there were no statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between the treatments. According to the results of this study, tooth bleaching with Er,Cr:YSGG laser or conventional technique is safe, even if the bleaching agent comes in contact with hybrid CAD-CAM restorations.

Effect of diode laser-assisted bleaching on the bond strength of different adhesive systems to enamel: Interfacial SEM analysis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of diode laser-assisted bleaching on the shear bond strength (SBS) of different adhesive systems to enamel and examine the adhesive enamel interface under scanning electron microscope (SEM). 180 incisor teeth were randomly divided into three bleaching groups: (1) Unbleached control group, (2) Opalescence Boost (OB) 40%, and (3) Diode laser-assisted LaserWhite20 (LW20) 45%. After bleaching, each group was divided into two subgroups according to waiting time: immediately or 7 days' delay. The six groups were then divided into three subgroups based on the adhesive procedure: Single Bond 2 (SB2), Clearfil SE Bond (CSB), and Clearfil Universal Bond (CUB). After adhesive procedures, composite resin cylinders were bonded to the enamel surfaces. All specimens were subjected to a SBS test after 24 hr of storage in water. Data were analysed using three-way variance analysis (p < .05). Specimens were examined under a stereomicroscope and SEM. There was a significant difference between the groups bonded immediately and 7 days after bleaching (p < .05). SB2 after 7 days showed the highest SBS values (19.24 ± 2.18), whereas CUB showed the lowest values in both bleaching treatments and control groups (10.84 ± 1.66). SEM analysis of the unbleached specimens revealed long tags and uniform hybrid layer compared OB and LW20 bleaching groups. LW20 and OB bleaching adversely affected SBS to enamel when bonded immediately. Diode laser-assisted bleaching might be an alternative option due to the short working time but delaying bonding for 7 days after bleaching may not be enough for ideal adhesion. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Bleaching agents containing high concentration hydrogen peroxide reduces the enamel bond strength of adhesive systems. Postponing composite restorations for 7 days after bleaching may not be sufficient to achieve ideal adhesion. Diode laser-assisted bleaching may be preferred as an alternative bleaching method today due to its ability to shorten the operation time and cause minimal morphological changes on the enamel surface.

Evaluation of the colour and translucency parameter of conventional and Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) feldspathic porcelains after staining and laser-assisted bleaching.

Aims:The present study aimed to evaluate the color and translucency changes of the feldspathic porcelain samples made using the conventional or computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) methods after immersion in staining solutions and laser bleaching.Materials and Methods:A total of 72 samples of feldspathic porcelain were fabricated using the conventional (n = 36) or CAD/CAM (n = 36) methods. Afterward, each group was randomly divided into three subgroups (n = 12), which underwent exposure to coffee, orange juice, or distilled water for 6 weeks. Then, the samples underwent diode laser-assisted bleaching. A spectrophotometer assessed the samples’ color and translucency preintervention, after staining, and after bleaching.Statistical Analysis Used:One-way and two-way analysis of variance and independent t-test were used. The significance level was 0.05.Results:Staining for 6 weeks significantly changed the color of both types of feldspathic porcelains. Furthermore, there were significant differences between the ceramics made using different methods and immersed in different staining solutions (P < 0.001). Furthermore, laser-assisted bleaching changed the color of immersed specimens significantly (P = 0.005). However, there were no significant translucency changes in all the subgroups after staining (P = 0.215) and laser bleaching (P = 0.325).Conclusions:The staining-induced discoloration of all the subgroups was in the clinically acceptable range (ΔΕ<3.3). In addition, bleaching could effectively remove the stains in both types of ceramics while not affecting the primary color. Moreover, the translucency of the ceramics was not affected by staining or laser-assisted bleaching.

The efficacy and complications of several bleaching techniques in patients after fixed orthodontic therapy. A randomized clinical trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and complications of several bleaching methods in patients with discolored teeth after orthodontic treatment. This randomized clinical trial involved 60 volunteers (31 women, 29 men) aged 14 to 30 years, who finished fixed orthodontic therapy at least three months before the study commencement and complained of discoloration on upper front teeth. The subjects were divided into four groups by treatment. The patients in group 1 received home bleaching, whereas those in groups 2 to 4 underwent in-office bleaching using a diode laser, a plasma arc and no light source, respectively. Tooth color was measured at baseline, one hour after the end of the bleaching procedure, and one week later, and the color alteration between different stages was compared among the groups. The severity of tooth sensitivity and the occurrence of other post-treatment complications were recorded. The color change between baseline and one week after treatment was greatest in the home-bleaching and the laser-assisted bleaching groups, and lowest in the plasma-arc bleaching group, although the difference between the groups was not significant (p > 0.05). Tooth sensitivity over 24 hours after bleaching was lowest in subjects who had undergone laser-assisted bleaching and highest in those who had received in-office bleaching without light (p < 0.05). All methods were effective in managing tooth discoloration after orthodontic treatment. Home bleaching produced favorable color alteration. Amongst the in-office approaches, laser-assisted bleaching should be considered as the best option, as it produced effective results with lowest tooth sensitivity and over a shorter period of time.

Hydrogen peroxide penetration into the pulp chamber during conventional in-office bleaching and diode laser-assisted bleaching with three different wavelengths.

Penetration of hydrogen peroxide into the pulp chamber and subsequent tooth hypersensitivity is a common concern in dental bleaching. The aim of this study was to assess the penetration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the pulp chamber in diode-laser activated bleaching with different laser wavelengths. Fifty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were collected and divided into five groups(n = 10). Group 1: conventional in-office bleaching using Opalescence Boost gel. Group 2: Bleaching with Biolase Laser White 20 gel activated by 980 nm diode laser. Group 3: Bleaching with Biolase Laser White 20 gel activated by 810 nm diode laser. Group 4: Bleaching with Biolase Laser White 20 gel activated by 940 nm diode laser. Group 5: No bleaching control group.After bleaching, the solution into the pulp chamber was collected and analyzed using a spectrophotometer. The recorded data were compared with a standard sample and the results were analyzed and compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests. In all bleached groups, H2O2 had infiltrated into the pulp chamber. The highest level of penetration was noted in group 2 (2.32 ± 0.25 µg), while the lowest level was noted in group 3 (1.85 ± 0.33 µg). The difference in this regard was significant between groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.024), but the differences between other groups were not statistically significant (P ≥ 0.42). Considering the results of this study, it can be stated that hydroge peroxide penetration in to pulp chamber in diode laser activation of bleaching agent according to manufactures instruction is not higher than in-office bleaching. The wavelength of diode laser had significant effect on penetration of hydrogen peroxide into pulp chamber.

Clinical Investigation of 940 nm Diode Laser Power Bleaching: An In Vivo Study.

Introduction: The increased demand by patient to whiten their teeth in short time had made in-office bleaching procedure the common one. The accompanying tooth sensitivity remains an important factor affecting patients physically and psychologically. The aim of this in vivo study was to observe the effectiveness of 940 nm diode laser in combination with bleaching gel by analyzing tooth sensitivity and colour change. Methods: Fourteen patients treated by laser-assisted bleaching using diode laser at 940 nm and bleaching gel containing 38% hydrogen peroxide. Tooth sensitivity recorded during and after treatment at 6 hours and 1 day using visual analogue scale (VAS). Tooth shade had recorded before and after bleaching using Vita classical brightness scale. Results: Patients whom did not experienced pain during and after the treatment were 78.60% and 92.90%, respectively. Tooth brightness change after treatment was statistically different (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Diode laser of 940 nm is an effective adjunctive tool for reducing tooth sensitivity originated from high concentration H2 O2 bleaching gel.

Er: YAG Laser Assisted Bleaching Procedures Effect on Enamel Topography

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using Er: YAG laser during in-office tooth bleaching on enamel surface. Method: Thirty enamel discs specimens of human anterior teeth and divided into three groups, Group 1: (control) specimens received no bleaching treatment; Group 2: specimens received conventional in-office bleaching treatment using Opalescence Boost PF tooth whitening systems; Group 3: specimens received laser assisted bleaching procedure using low energy Er: YAG laser to assist tested bleaching gels. After bleaching, Specimens were stored for 15 days in artificial saliva. Digital microscope and images analysis used to evaluate surface roughness. Scanning electron micrographs were captured to evaluate enamel surface changes. Data were statistically analyzed using Aasistat 7.6 statistics software with Student t-test. Results Conventional in-office bleached enamel showed statistically significant higher enamel surface roughness than unbleached enamel surface with changes in enamel surface morphology were observed. While ER: YAG laser assisted bleached enamel, surfaces showed non-statistically significant higher enamel surface roughness than unbleached enamel surface with minor changes in enamel surface morphology were observed. Conclusions: Tested laser assisted bleaching procedures showed safely enamel surface treatment than conventional in-office bleaching procedures.

Teeth bleaching using diode laser as an adjunct to a bleaching agent

The use of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for conventional bleaching was introduced way back in 1884. Today bleaching products are often found in the form of gels containing various concentrations of carbamide peroxide and H2O2depending on the application and methods. Laser-assisted tooth bleaching has proven faster and efficient results. This case report emphasizes on the efficacy of diode laser for tooth bleaching. Opalescent® (Potassium nitrate and fluoride) was used as a bleaching gel. Diode laser (810 nm) was used to irradiate the tooth surfaces and microabrasion was carried out. Visible reduction in tooth discoloration was seen after a period of 3 weeks. On the basis of the results obtained, diode laser can be considered as an efficient and reliable treatment modality compared to conventional bleaching.

Spectrophotometric analysis of the effectiveness of a novel in-office laser-assisted tooth bleaching method using Er,Cr:YSGG laser.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of a novel Er,Cr:YSGG laser-assisted in-office tooth bleaching method with a conventional method by spectrophotometric analysis of the tooth color change. Furthermore, the influence of the application time of the bleaching gel on the effectiveness of the methods and the maintenance of the results 7days and 1month after the treatments were also evaluated. Twenty-four bovine incisors were stained and randomly distributed into four groups. Group 1 specimens received an in-office bleaching treatment with 35% H2O2 for 2×15min. Group 2 specimens received the same treatment but with extended application time (2×20min). In Group 3, the same in-office bleaching procedure (2×15min) was carried out as that in Group 1, using Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation for 2×15s on each specimen to catalyze the reaction of H2O2 breakdown. Group 4 specimens received the same bleaching treatment as Group 3 but with extended application time (2×20min). Er,Cr:YSGG laser-assisted tooth bleaching treatment is more effective than the conventional treatment regarding color change of the teeth. Application time of the bleaching agent may influence the effectiveness of the methods. The color change of the tested treatments decreases after 7days and 1month. The clinical relevance of this study is that this novel laser-assisted bleaching treatment may be more advantageous in color change and application time compared to the conventional bleaching treatment.

Effect of Laser-assisted and Conventional In-office Bleaching on Monomer Release from Microhybrid and Nanohybrid Composite.

Bleaching might affect structural properties of composite materials, and lead to monomer release. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Laser-assisted and conventional in-office bleaching on the release of BIS-GMA, TEGDMA, and UDMA monomers from a nanohybrid and a microhybrid BIS-GMA based composite. 32 samples of each composite, were divided into 4 subgroups; subgroup 1: Conventional in-office bleaching (CIB) with the Opalescence Boost PF 38% gel, subgroup 2: Laser-assisted bleaching (LBO) with the Opalescence Boost PF 38% gel, subgroup 3: Laser-assisted bleaching (LBH) with the JW Power bleaching gel, subgroup 4: (CO) control without bleaching. All the samples were immersed in tubes of 2cc Ethanol 75% medium. The released monomers were analyzed using the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method 24 h, 7, and 28 days. Data's were analyzed by Univariate Analysis of Variance test followed by Tukeys HSD. The amount of TEGDMA monomer released was not significant. However, nanohybrid composites showed significantly more monomer release than microhybrid composites (P < 0.05). For UDMA the interaction was significant only after 1 week. In microhybrid composites, the CO subgroup showed more monomer release than LBH and LBO. In nanohybrid composites, LBH showed more monomer release than CIB and CO subgroups. For BIS-GMA monomers the interaction was significant at all time periods and the LBH subgroup of nanohybrid composite had significantly more BIS_GMA release in comparison to other subgroups. Bleaching by laser with JW Power Bleaching gel led to more monomer release in nanohybrid composite.

Comparison of laser and power bleaching techniques in tooth color change.

BackgroundLaser-assisted bleaching uses laser beam to accelerate release of free radicals within the bleaching gel to decrease time of whitening procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of power bleaching using Opalescence Xtra Boost® and laser bleaching technique using LaserSmile gel and diode laser as an activator in their tooth whitening capacity.Material and MethodsStudent t test showed that the laser bleaching group significantly outperformed the power bleaching group in changing ∆E (p=0.977).ResultsSimilarly, while comparing the groups in changing ∆L, the laser bleaching group indicated significantly superior results (p=0.953). Statistical data from student t test while comparing the groups in changing the parameter of yellowness indicated that samples in laser bleaching group underwent a more significant reduction than power-bleached samples (p=0.85). Correspondingly, changes in whiteness were statistically tested through student t test, showing that laser bleaching technique increased whiteness of the samples significantly more than those treated by power bleaching (p=0.965). The digital color evaluation data was in accordance with spectrophotometry and showed that laser bleaching outperformed power bleaching technique. Both techniques were able to increase whiteness and decrease yellowness ratio of the samples. ΔE decrease for laser bleaching and power bleaching groups were 3.05 and 1.67, respectively. Tooth color change in laser bleaching group was 1.88 times more than that of power bleaching group (p<0.001).ConclusionsIt could be concluded that under the conditions of this study, both laser-assisted and power bleaching techniques were capable of altering tooth color change, but laser bleaching was deemed a more efficient technique in this regard. Key words:Laser, power bleaching, tooth color introduction.