Minimal-invasive laser based approach in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics

This lecture will present the most important laser-based methods for diagnostic and treatment in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. It will cover areas from non-invasive diagnostics to minimal-invasive treatments for these fields of dentistry. In pediatric dentistry as well as in orthodontics Quantitative Light Florescence (QLF), DiagnoDent-system-655nm, Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) will be the main non-invasive diagnostic methods taken into consideration. In pediatric dentistry Er:YAG laser, as one of the most efficient lasers, will be used for different treatments starting with prevention and continuing with cavity preparation, pulpotomies and other conservative treatments in case of fractured or traumatized teeth. In orthodontics, 3D laser scanners are increasingly being used to establish database for normative population and cross-sectional growth changes but also to assess clinical outcomes in orthognatic surgical and non-surgical treatments.The lecture will also include the importance of lasers in the surgical procedures in orthodontics such as frenectomy, gingivectomy and corticotomy. Nonetheless, the information regarding bacterial decontamination and bracket debonding will be approached.