<i>In vitro</i> evaluation of dental bleaching effectiveness using hybrid lights activation

Authors

  • Rodrigo Maximo Araújo
  • Carlos Rocha Gomes Torres
  • Maria Amélia Maximo Araújo Faculdade de Odontologia de São José dos Campos- UNESP

Keywords:

Bleaching, light, LED

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate whether using different types of light activation during the in-office bleaching agent technique increases the effectiveness of the dental bleaching procedure by measuring the color change in teeth. Methods: From 60 extracted bovine incisor teeth, specimen sizes were standardized and dentin was conditioned by immersion in 38% phosphoric acid for 15 s. Following this procedure, the samples were placed in a water bath with ultrasound for 20 min and then immersed in a 25% coffee solution for a two-week period. The dentin was polished with a felt disc and aluminum oxide paste and finally sealed with colorless nail polish. Specimens were randomly divided into five groups, and their original color was measured using the EasyShade (VITA) spectrophotometer. All specimens received three applications of the bleaching agent Opalescence Xtra-Boost (Ultradent) during a period of 15 min each. Group 1 did not receive light activation, Group 2 was activated with a Halogen light (15 min), Group 3 was activated with a blue hybrid LEDs and a laser (15 min), Group 4 was activated with light from a green LED and a laser (15 min) and Group 5 was activated with a red laser (15 min). Tooth color was measured again after performing the various bleaching techniques on all specimens. The resulting data on color variations ΔE, Δa*, Δb* and ΔL*, and the color variations referenced on the Vita Classical scale were subjected to ANOVA, Tukey and Dunn tests (α=5%). Results: The bleaching performance of 38% hydrogen peroxide was affected by the light source used; color reduction was observed for the blue LED and halogen lights, and quantitative assessments of tooth color measured by spectrophotometer and matched to the Vita Classical color scale arrived at similar results in all experimental groups. Conclusions: The type of hybrid lights used interferes in the efficiency of the bleaching agent.

Author Biography

Maria Amélia Maximo Araújo, Faculdade de Odontologia de São José dos Campos- UNESP

Graduada em Odontologia FOSJC-UNESP 1972 Mestrado em Clinicas Odontologicas USP 1975 Doutorado em Clinicas Odontologicas USP 1983 Livre docente UNESP 1987 Titular UNESP 2003 Pró Reitora de Extensão 2005 a 2009

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Published

2010-02-09

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Section

Original Article