General Aspects of Optical Methods in Dentistry

Abstract

Optical methods may be considered first in relation to vision. At wavelengths and power levels common in vision, optical radiation is harmless, and therefore only diagnostic use can be expected; for treatment uses, other wavelengths and/or higher power levels are needed. Because human vision is of high quality and the most important channel of information, optical methods are only useful as a supplement to it. This supplement is most useful when light properties are employed which are not used by vision: wavelength selection, coherence, and quantification. This leads to the use of fluorescence, holography, and instrumental measurement of contrasts and color, respectively. Applications of such use in dental diagnosis are summarized. Optical methods for treatment include the well-known curing of polymeric materials, photodynamic therapy of tumors and, potentially, laser fusion of enamel and dentin.