Non-destructive Teeth Whitening through Illumination Technology Receives Attention

Special report of  "The Asian Age"

           This website (Translational Medicine Research Institute, Science and Technology Division): Recently, the exclusive “ACS Weekly” of American Chemical Society, “Science Daily”, “The Asian Age”, “Tooth Wise”, and other international media have reported on the latest development of the non-destructive whitening technology of teeth. The technology was developed by the Biomaterials Laboratory of the Institute of Translational Medicine of Nanchang University (team leader: Professor Wang Xiaolei) and the affiliated stomatological hospital of Nanchang University (team leader: Professor Liao Lan) and other institutions. Nanchang University is the only research and development unit.

Core Practitioners of this technology

         whitening generally uses 30% hydrogen peroxide and above together with high-intensity blue light for bleaching. High concentration of hydrogen peroxide has high causticity and strong oxidizing property. Although this measure can effectively realize teeth-whitening, it is too intense and can easily induce a series of problems, such as enamel demineralization, tooth sensitivity, gingival stimulation, cytotoxicity, and acute pulpitis. Therefore, it is urgent to find a new biomedical material that can respond to visible light, but at the same time has low stimulation and low toxicity so as to achieve a true non-destructive whitening of teeth.

Schematic diagram of non-destructive teeth whitening through illumination

In response to this topic, Professor Wang Xiaolei and Professor Liao Lan of our school proposed to use PDA to encapsulate and modify the surface of nano-TiO2 to excite electrons under visible light to produce active oxygen with strong oxidative properties, thereby efficiently decompose pigments and realize teeth whitening. The pH of the material is alkaline, non-corrosive, almost does no damage to the surface structure of the enamel. It also has low cytotoxicity, and has better safety than the hydrogen peroxide bleach commonly used in clinical practice.

Nano-TiO2@PDA whitening effect picture, left side is the whitened teeth

           American Chemical Society, wrote a special article on the topic of “a safe and effective method of teeth whitening” and pointed out: “ Nanchang University has developed a visible-light response photocatalytic material for tooth whitening that subverts the traditional peroxide whitening, which is not only effective but also milder."

“Science Daily” also reported on the related content, pointing out that “The Nanchang University team has developed a new whitening material that is less harmful to teeth in response to the defects of existing oral whitening materials.”

"Tooth Wise", a professional stomatological organization that enjoys worldwide reputation, also made a special report on related research and stated: "The existing tooth whitening materials have certain damage to the teeth, and the research from Nanchang University has effectively reduced the risk of such thing.” Dr. Amin, the chief scientist of the British Innovative Dental Medical Co., wrote a letter to apply for a share-holding request through technical achievements, hoping to bring the technology to the UK as soon as possible.

The highlight of this study: no significant damage to the enamel surface after whitening by Nano-TiO2@PDA

• Source : Nanchang University
• Date : 2018-07-29