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Comparison of tooth surface roughness after bleaching with conventional and different light-activated methods
Nozhan Azimi1, Bahareh Sanaee2, Hasti Seifi3
1Dentofacial Deformities Research Center, Research Institute for Dental Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Lasers in Medical Science
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Light-activated tooth bleaching, particularly LED activation, can increase enamel surface roughness more than conventional or laser-activated methods. Laser systems generally preserve enamel integrity, offering a potentially safer alternative for aesthetic dental treatments.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Aesthetics
Background:
- In-office tooth bleaching is a popular aesthetic dental procedure.
- Bleaching may increase enamel surface roughness, leading to plaque retention and discoloration.
- Laser activation is explored as a potentially safer bleaching alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of conventional bleaching, LED activation, and various laser systems (Diode, KTP, Nd-YAG, CO2) on enamel surface roughness.
- To evaluate the impact of different light activation methods on dental enamel integrity.
Main Methods:
- Sixty human anterior teeth were divided into conventional bleaching, LED bleaching, and four laser bleaching groups.
- Enamel surface roughness was measured before and after bleaching procedures.
- Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis test and Two-Way ANOVA.
Main Results:
- LED activation significantly increased enamel surface roughness compared to conventional bleaching (P=0.0236).
- Laser-activated groups showed no significant difference in roughness compared to the conventional group or each other.
- LED activation caused significantly higher roughness in the middle third of enamel versus KTP laser (P=0.029).
Conclusions:
- LED activation leads to greater enamel surface roughness changes, especially in the middle third.
- Laser activation, including Diode, KTP, Nd-YAG, and CO2, generally preserves enamel surface integrity compared to conventional bleaching.
- Laser systems may offer a safer approach for tooth bleaching regarding enamel surface alterations.
