Laser Tooth Whitening
Laser tooth whitening seems like quite an experience! Is it
worth the effort to have that brilliant Hollywood smile? We're
not so sure, however we've provided a review of laser bleaching
systems and non-laser bleaching systems below. Whatever way you
decide to go to have your tooth whitened, you'll be able to
read about the choices on our web site.
Teeth Whitening - Laser Bleaching Systems And Non-Laser
Bleaching Systems
The search for more effective options in the treatment of
tooth staining is nothing new. Historically speaking, there has
been an ongoing interest in seeking solutions for whitening
teeth. In ancient times the Romans used Portuguese urine in an
attempt to whiten their teeth! During the 14th century, having
your teeth bleached was the most requested treatment after that
of tooth extraction, and was performed through the combining of
metal files and nitric acid. In the late 19th century a mixture
of hydrogen peroxide, ether and electricity was used. Soon
after, electricity was replaced by heat. Hydrochloric acid was
introduced as a method of teeth whitening in 1916, and in 1966
it was used in combination with hydrogen peroxide. By 1970 it
was established that hydrogen peroxide was the most effective
stain removal agent.
As most dentists know, aesthetic dentistry has become an
enormous industry. The seemingly insatiable appetite of
patients for better-looking whiter teeth has changed modern
dentistry. And this need has been answered by dental companies
in no uncertain terms. One only needs to look at the number of
products available that claim to safely whiten teeth with
long-lasting results and no hassles, ranging from
home-bleaching kits through to in-office photochemical laser
bleaching systems like Smartbleach. This then makes questions
like which system is the most effective, and importantly which
system can deliver predictable results, much more difficult to
answer. Additionally, many bleaching systems make claims of
dramatic shade improvements, backed up by glossy brochures
featuring outrageously white teeth. All of which make the
decision to choose a bleaching system seem harder still.
The Smartbleach concept is quite different from most other
teeth whitening systems. Bleaching is the reduction of large
light absorbing molecules in dental structures, into smaller
molecules which are no longer in a light-absorbent state. This
causes a greater level of reflection, and therefore whiter
teeth. Smartbleach incorporates this concept, with research
published in the Journal of Endodontics in 1988 by Loong Chün
Lin, David L. Pitts and Lloyd W. Burgess. They were able to
demonstrate that teeth stains caused by tetracyclines can be
removed within 24 hours, solely under the influence of light.
In other words, it was demonstrated that photobleaching is
possible. What is important to note, however, is that only two
ranges of wavelengths are able to create a photobleaching
effect: UV light (290 nm and 365 nm) and green light (510 to
534 nm). Accordingly, Smartbleach incorporates a laser light
(in the green range), together with hydrogen peroxide and a
chemical agent (powder), to induce a photochemical reaction.
These three components ensure a safe and controlled bleaching
treatment with predictable results in just one hour.
The photochemical reaction in the Smartbleach procedure is the
main reason it can improve all kinds of stains, including
tetracycline, without any risk of heat build up in the teeth.
Remember, only specific wavelengths can produce a true
photochemical reaction. To create a bleaching effect with light
sources of other wavelengths, heat is necessary to further
breakdown the hydrogen peroxide. This was the basis of the
Britesmile CO2 laser bleaching system. This extra heat can lead
to pulp trauma and result in tooth damage. As a consequence, if
a bleaching system does not have a true photochemical reaction
and the light souce emits little or no heat, then the light
source has almost no effect on the bleaching result.
Importantly, this point was confirmed in research conducted by
the Clinical Research Associates, which showed that over the
range of bleaching systems they had assessed, it made no
difference once the gels were applied to the teeth, whether the
light sources were shined on the teeth or not. (CRA Newsletter
August 2000: Why resin curing lights do not increase tooth
whitening).
The Smartbleach system uses a small and portable dental laser
that can be used for a wide range of other applications
including, endodontics, periodontics, haemostatic soft-tissue
surgery, gingival troughing and retraction, caries prevention,
desensitizing, fistula pathology, enhanced fluoride treatments
and more. In all of these cases treatments with the Smartbleach
laser are less invasive and can deliver superior results than
those achieved with traditional methods.
Some other bleaching systems also claim to use laser technology
or at least imply that they use a laser. In fact many use heat
lamps or halogen lights, which are limited in their
versatility, and as the CRA data showed, their effectivenes;
this is an issue that every dentist should consider,
particularly because there are distinct clinical and marketing
benefits to using laser technology. As Dr Jacques Meschemberg
from Adelaide has discovered, the marketing potential of a
state-of-the-art laser system can change the way patients
perceive a dental practice. Dr Meschemberg has been using the
Smartbleach system and has treated over 400 patients. He
states: "The Smartbleach laser has proved to be an excellent
profit centre in its own right and also a great practice
builder". Dr Meschemberg's experience shows that not only will
existing patients try Smartbleach, but many new patients visit
his practice because he offers Smartbleach. This has generated
further business through these new patients returning for other
dental work.
In conclusion, to avoid misleading patients and to ensure that
they are choosing the most approprite system for their
practice, dentists should understand all of the facts about
teeth bleaching before making a decision about which system to
introduce into their practice. As part of High Tech Laser
Australia's commitment to ongoing research and education,
Smartbleach is part of short-term and long-term university
studies that will help dentists to make informed desicions
about in-office bleaching methods.
About the Author
Matthew Moncrieff is Managing Dirctor of High Tech Laser
Australia. High Tech Laser Australia conducts one-day training
courses on lasers in dentistry and laser teeth whitening. For
more information call (07) 3367 2444 or visit www.hightechlaser.com.au
Click to visit our tooth whitening home
page.
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