Efficacy and durability of bleaching with diode lasers: an in vitro study.

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the efficacy and durability of bleaching with diode lasers over a 9-month period. This study evaluated 27 extracted teeth categorized into 3 bleaching groups (n = 9): 940-nm diode laser, 980-nm diode laser, and 40% hydrogen peroxide whitening gel (control). After the baseline color of the teeth was measured using a spectrophotometer, the teeth underwent dental prophylaxis and their color was measured again. Bleaching treatment was then performed. The color of the teeth was measured immediately after bleaching and 1 day (24 hours), 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months after bleaching. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* color change (ΔE*) at each timepoint was calculated and compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance. All bleaching techniques effectively whitened the teeth to a clinically perceptible level (ΔE* > 3.3), and there were no statistically significant differences among the groups (P > 0.05). The mean ΔE* values of the laser groups were not significantly different from the mean value of the control group during the 9-month evaluation period (P > 0.05). However, statistically significant differences among the groups were noted when color measurements at the following timepoints were compared: immediately after bleaching vs 1 day; 1 day vs 1 week; and 3 months vs 6 months (P < 0.05). Use of a 940-nm diode laser, 980-nm diode laser, or conventional hydrogen peroxide gel provided equally effective bleaching. The color change remained clinically perceptible throughout the 9-month period.