Effectiveness of KTP lasers in tooth bleaching, by comparing tooth color change after bleaching with KTP, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, and diode laser system: A systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review evaluated the role of Potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) lasers in dental bleaching by comparing tooth color change and rise in intrapulpal temperature after bleaching with KTP, Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), Er:YAG, and diode laser system. Following were the inclusion criteria: in vitro studies in English available in full text. Articles published between 2000 and 2021 were selected. The search for was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane library/CENTRAL, Wiley online library, ProQuest, Science Direct, and Hand searching/specialized registers. Keywords were used: “Lasers” [Mesh] and “Tooth bleaching” [Mesh] using Boolean operators. A total of four articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The quality assessment of studies included was undertaken independently as part of data extraction process. KTP lasers demonstrated more effectiveness in attaining color change in stained teeth and showed the lowest rise in intrapulpal temperature. Based on the data obtained in the present review, the choice of bleaching treatment is directly related to the type of discoloration, activation of the bleaching agent, and esthetic requirement. Although all bleaching procedures were effective in color change, the KTP laser showed better results when compared to other laser activation. The bleaching treatment protocol is directly related to the type of discoloration, activation of the bleaching agent, and esthetic requirement. It has been demonstrated that a faster change in color can be obtained when bleaching is performed in combination with a light source, i.e., power bleaching aiming for a more in-depth change of color.