Reconsidering the Role of Light: Integrated Evidence on One Light-Based Approach for Whitening.
The use of light in tooth whitening represents one of the most controversial aspects of aesthetic dentistry. Previous evidence from clinical trials is limited, and outcomes are generally ambivalent as to whether light-aided whitening impacts effectiveness and/or safety. Recently, new research was conducted to assess the possible contribution of light to clinical response with peroxide delivery. This inclusive review reports evidence from randomized controlled trials on the use of light as part of strip-based hydrogen peroxide application. The pooled outcomes include hundreds of subjects from multiple clinical trials with efficacy and safety assessments over periods of up to 6 months. Evidence includes single variable research on the role of light, positively-controlled research on meaningfulness and long-term follow-up on color retention, relapse and safety. Discussion focuses on the possible implications from the pooled analysis with respect to light-assisted tooth whitening.
- Review the “light controversy”, including previous research on the use of light and/or peroxide for tooth whitening
- Describe a novel whitening technology using light with strip peroxide delivery, plus clinical trials research evaluating its use
- Report the inclusive, evidence-based analysis on effectiveness and safety and possible implications of these outcomes for light-assisted tooth whitening
Research Fellow in Global Oral Care at the Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio USA, where he responsible for clinical trials research on oral care product safety and effectiveness worldwide. His clinical trials research includes initiatives in the areas of caries prevention, periodontal therapy and esthetic dentistry. Dr. Gerlach is recognized as a leading clinical researcher in the area of tooth whitening, with contributions to novel delivery systems, dentifrice development and clinical methods. His recent research focuses on the public health implications of daily oral hygiene and relationships between oral diseases and overall health. Dr. Gerlach is Adjunct Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry (Research Administration) at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts USA. Dr. Gerlach holds various technology and methods patents, and his research has been reported in more than 300 manuscripts and published abstracts.
