Use of lasers in teeth whitening: a literature review on scientific evidence, myths, and truths

Abstract

Dental bleaching is one of the most frequently performed aesthetic procedures in contemporary dentistry, relying primarily on the chemical action of oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Nevertheless, the use of light sources—particularly lasers—has been widely promoted as a strategy to accelerate treatment, enhance the whitening effect, and reduce tooth sensitivity. However, the actual contribution of lasers to these protocols remains controversial. This article aims to review the literature on the use of lasers in dental bleaching, addressing key scientific evidence as well as myths and facts regarding their application in aesthetic dentistry. A search of the PubMed database was conducted, retrieving 58 articles, which resulted in 16 articles after the selection process. Current literature suggests that dental bleaching remains essentially dependent on the chemical action of peroxides, while lasers may serve as an adjunct in specific situations without demonstrating consistent clinical superiority over conventional protocols. Therefore, their use should be based on biological criteria, scientific evidence, and clinical judgment, avoiding interpretations driven solely by commercial interests.