Date of Graduation

2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

Committee Chair

Peter W. Ngan

Abstract

Enamel decalcification is a significant problem in orthodontic patients. The argon laser has been shown to reduce decalcification during an acidic challenge in vitro. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of argon laser irradiation on decalcification under banded teeth during orthodontic treatment in vivo. Eight volunteers requiring four bicuspid extractions for orthodontic treatment were enrolled and each bicuspid was assigned a group. A specially designed plaque-collecting band was cemented on each tooth following the treatment and remained for five weeks. Treatment involved the following: Control (C)-no treatment prior to the band cementation, Pumice-lase (PL)-pumiced and lased (~100 Joules/cm2), Pumice-etch-lase (PEL)-pumiced, acid etched for 30 seconds and lased, lase-only (LO)-lased. The teeth were extracted and examined under polarized light microscopy. Average lesion depths and area were calculated. ANOVA (p≤0.05) and paired comparisons were made between the groups, maxillary and mandibular teeth and right side and left side teeth. In the LO group, the average lesion depths and area were reduced by 94.1% and 96.4% compared to the control group. In the PEL group, the average lesion depths and area were reduced by 89.1% and 92.2% compared to the control group. No significant differences were found between the maxillary and mandibular teeth and the right side and left side teeth. Argon laser irradiation is effective in reducing enamel decalcification during orthodontic treatment in vivo.

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