Histological Effects of Er:YAG Laser Irradiation with Snoring Handpiece in the Rat Soft Palate.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of laser irradiation with a novel snoring handpiece on the histological structures of the soft palate in a rat model.

Background: Snoring is a common problem and studies have shown that 20-50% of the population is affected. An apnea-hypopnea index of <5/h without daytime somnolence is documented as simple snoring.

Effects of water flow rate on shear bond strength of orthodontic bracket bonded to enamel surface after Er:YAG laser ablation.

Objective: The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of water flow rate on enamel surface roughness and shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets after Er:YAG laser ablation.

Background Data: It is well known that external water supply is a fundamental requirement for Er:YAG laser efficiency on dental hard tissues. However, there is no consensus considering the water flow rate used during Er:YAG laser ablation.

Effect of enamel laser irradiation at different pulse settings on shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

Objective: To compare the effect of laser irradiation at two different pulse settings and acid etching on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets to enamel.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-six premolars were allocated to three groups (n  =  12): (1) 37% phosphoric acid etching, (2) erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser etching with medium-short pulse mode (MSP; 100 µs, 120 mj, 10 Hz, 1.2 W), and (3) Er:YAG laser etching with quantum-square pulse mode (QSP; 120 mj, 10 Hz, 1.