Effectiveness of Different Laser-Assisted In-Office Bleaching Techniques: 1-Year Follow-Up.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate color longevity after different bleaching techniques. Background: Laser-activated bleaching methods are gaining popularity due to decreased chair time and increased patient compliance. However, the longevity of such methods has not been stated clearly. Methods: Sixty patients were divided into the following three groups (n = 20); group 1: chemical bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) gel, group 2: bleaching with 35% HP gel with diode laser activation, and group 3: bleaching with 35% HP gel with Er,Cr:YSGG laser activation. Color changes (ΔE*) were calculated by using two different formulas: (i) CIELAB (ΔEab) and (ii) CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) with a spectrophotometer before treatment, 24 h after treatment 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Evaluation of postoperative sensitivity was performed before and immediately after treatment, followed by re-evaluation 24 h and 1 week after treatment. Results: For ΔEab calculation, no significant difference was observed during both intra- and inter-group evaluations (p > 0.05). For ΔE00 calculation, no significant intergroup difference was observed (p > 0.05), whereas significant intragroup differences between the values of after treatment, 6-12 months. In the chemical bleaching group, increased postoperative sensitivity was observed after 24 h (p < 0.001). In the diode-laser-activated group, postoperative hypersensitivity was detected at 24 h and 1 week. No significant hypersensitivity was observed in the Er,Cr:YSGG-laser-activated group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: All three techniques provided efficient bleaching. Chemical and diode-activated bleaching methods resulted in slight sensitivity after application, whereas Er,Cr:YSGG-laser-activated bleaching did not cause sensitivity.