On-the-teeth whitening process using Ar+ and CuBr lasers

Abstract

The present investigations are directed at a more detailed studying of methods for colour determination aimed at estimation of human teeth whiteness degree, sufficiently handy for common use in clinical practice. In order to be obtained unbiased results of the whitening, specific techniques for the degree of whiteness (coloration) determination had been developed on the basis of common colorimetric and spectral methods and apparatus, including a standard computer processing and accorded to the three-dimensional colour scheme Vita 3D. Comparative experimental investigations with two lasers (Ar+, CuBr) and three experimental whitening compositions for treatment of 6 different groups of samples were carried out. The results of the applied spectral and colorimetric techniques are in a good agreement with those of the standard computer processing of the corresponding digital photographs and comply with the visually estimated degree of the teeth whiteness judged according to the standard reference scale commonly used in the aesthetic dentistry.