Laser Tooth Whitening
Laser
tooth whitening seems like quite an experience. Is it worth the all the effort to have that brilliant smile? we've
provided a review of laser bleaching systems and non-laser bleaching systems below. Whatever way you decide to go
to have your teeth 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 Smart bleach. 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 Smart bleach 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. Smart bleach
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 photo
bleaching is possible. What is important to note, however, is that only two ranges of wavelengths are able to
create a photo bleaching effect: UV light (290 nm and 365 nm) and green light (510 to 534 nm). Accordingly, Smart
bleach 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 Smart bleach 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 source 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 Smart bleach system uses a small and portable dental laser that can be used for a wide range of other
applications including, Endodontics, Periodontics, aemostatic 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 Smart bleach 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 Smart bleach system and has treated over 400 patients. He states: "The Smart bleach
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 Smart bleach, but many new patients visit
his practice because he offers Smart bleach. 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, Smart bleach 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 Director of High Tech Laser Australia. High Tech Laser Australia
conducts one-day training courses on lasers in dentistry and laser teeth whitening.
Visit www.hightechlaser.com.au today.
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