Evaluation of the effects of conventional versus laser bleaching techniques on enamel microroughness

Abstract

Nowadays, bleaching of the teeth within the dental office is one of the most widespread techniques to correct tooth discoloration. Variability of the materials and techniques accompanied with the trend toward esthetic restorations with minimally invasive approaches are increasing. The use of laser in this regard has also been taken into consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of in-office versus laser bleaching on surface roughness of enamel. Fifteen freshly extracted human molars were sectioned mesiodistally to produce 30 lingual and buccal enamel blocks. Samples were mounted in transparent acrylic resin blocks and polished before treatment. Samples were randomly assigned to laser bleaching (LB) and office bleaching (OB) groups (n = 15 each). Pretreatment evaluation of microroughness was carried out for all samples using profilometer. Samples were treated twice in the OB group with Opalescent Xtra Boost and in the LB group using a laser-activated gel. Microroughness was evaluated after bleaching in both groups. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA. Both methods increased enamel surface roughness. Microroughness changes were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Microroughness significantly increased in the OB group (p > 0.05), but there was no significant difference in pre- and post-treatment roughness evaluation in the LB group (p < 0.05). Laser was considered a safer technique because it demonstrated a less surface roughness increase in comparison with the conventional office bleaching procedure.

Er: YAG Laser Assisted Bleaching Procedures Effect on Enamel Topography

“…We can report that Er: YAG laser assisted bleaching induced melting of superficial enamel organic matrix may result in decrease of surface roughness than conventional in-office bleaching technique. This was in acceptance with Maung et al, who mentioned that It was indicated that Er: YAG laser induced melting of organic matrix may blocking the diffusion pathway and result in a reduced efficiency in ion diffusion and subsequent increase enamel acid resistance [33] Our findings are coinciding to Anaraki et al who studied the effects of a conventional in-office versus a laser bleaching treatment on surface roughness of enamel, they found that laser-assisted tooth bleaching showed less increase in surface roughness when compared with the conventional in-office bleaching technique [34].…”

Comparison of different universal adhesives’ bond strength to laser-assisted bleached enamel

“…44 The use of laser energy would be desirable because of minimum exposure to hydrogen peroxide and in the minimum number of treatment sessions. 45 Various lasers such as Nd:YAG, Diode Laser and Erbium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser have been used to improve the bleaching gel's efficacy.4, 7, 46. Photo-activated bleaching methods' popularity led to the investigations of different lasers impact on bond strength, therefore an in vitro study compared different types of lasers and it was concluded that different sources had no affect on enamel shear bond…”

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Laser Activated Bleaching Methods on Enamel Susceptibility to Caries; An In Vitro Mode

“…1 As tooth color relies on the composition of tooth tissues, any chemical, mechanical or biological change can damage the esthetic equilibrium of the smile. 2 Bleaching is a simple, non-restorative and noninvasive treatment for discolored teeth that is capable of satisfaction of the high demanding patients.…”