Exploring the efficacy of laser-assisted in-office tooth bleaching: A study on varied irradiation times and power settings utilizing a diode laser (445 nm)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a laser-assisted in-office tooth bleaching treatment, employing a diode laser (445 nm) using different power and time settings. Two hundred human incisors were collected for evaluating tooth color change (ΔΕ₀₀) and whiteness index in dentistry (ΔWI_D) following laser-assisted tooth bleaching treatment. The specimens were distributed into 25 groups (n = 8) according to laser output power (0.5–2 W) and duration of irradiation (10–60 s) that was applied. ΔΕ₀₀ and ΔWI_D were evaluated using a spectrophotometer at three points of time (24 h, 1 week and 1 month after treatments). Three-way ANOVA revealed that power, duration of laser irradiation, and time of measurement after bleaching treatments significantly affected both ΔΕ₀₀ and ΔWI_D (p < 0.05). Furthermore, laser irradiation increased ΔΕ₀₀ and ΔWI_D at all applied powers compared to the control group (p < 0.05), but this increase was dependent on the duration of irradiation. Laser irradiation significantly increased ΔΕ₀₀ when the duration of operation was 50–60 s at 0.5–1 W, while at 1.5–2 W was significantly increased when the duration was 30–60 s. ΔWI_D was significant higher in the laser groups compared to the control group at all powers, except for 0.5 W where it was significant higher when the duration was 50–60 s. The outcomes of the study can help in selecting the suitable power settings and duration of laser exposure to achieve the optimal whitening results while ensuring the safety of the tooth pulp.