cosmetic dentistry_ beauty & science

28 I I industry report _ new concept of aesthetic restoration orofacial dentistry. For this reason, it is very im- portant to define the concepts of facial and dental aesthetics for the integration of the procedures.8 Phototherapy combines function and aesthetics. Therapeutic lasers have been used for over 50 years in diverse medical specialties. The effects of pho- totherapy are based on the absorption of the elec- tromagnetic energy and its conversion into chemi- cal energy in the cell. This photo-biostimulation promotes the acceleration of scarring processes, as well as bio-modulation of pain and tissue re- modeling.9 Associated with dental treatment, orofacial aes- thetics provides the link between the mouth and face. Phototherapy for aesthetic purposes thus as- sumes an important role in multidisciplinary treat- ment.Differentwavelengthsareusedtotreatfacial dysfunctions that affect aesthetics. The most stud- ied wavelengths are red, infra-red, amber and blue. The red wavelength acts directly on the mitochon- dria, increasing cell metabolism and, consequently, tissue repair. The infra-red wavelength acts on the cell membrane, modifying its permeability, control- ling the input and output of ions, and modulating the propagation of nerve impulses in controlling pain.Theamberwavelengthinteractswiththeribo- somes responsible for amino acid synthesis. Finally, thebluewavelengthincreasesthequantityofintra- cellularfluid,promotinghydrationandcellswelling (Figs. 6a–c).10, 11 In orofacial aesthetics, phototherapy, among other therapies, is used to effect an increase in col- lagen, tissue swelling and whitening, cell biostimu- lation and lymphatic drainage. _Conclusion Therefore, orofacial dentistry offers dental sur- geons a multidisciplinary approach, combining oral and facial treatment, providing minimally invasive, integrated treatment with effective results in the dental practice. New treatments and therapies are constantly being integrated into modern dentistry. For this reason, continuing education is essential for the development of orofacial aesthetics._ Editorial note: A complete list of references is available fromthepublisher. Figs. 5a–c_Immediate post-op photograph of Case 5 (a), filling of nasolabial folds, upper lip, Cupid’s bow and philtrum using Aqualift (c). During the procedure, the points requiring filling were marked (b). Figs. 6a–c_Case 6 treated to effect facial hydration and lighting using facial phototherapy biophotonics, showing photoactivation of collagen mask with blue LED (Elite, DMC) during the procedure (b). cosmeticdentistry 1_2013 Dr Hermes Pretel,DDS.,MsC.,PhD,is a dental surgeon,a master and doctoral degree in Dentistry Sciences by Faculdade de Odontologia de Araraquara – FOAr – UNESP; Researcher of Grupo Bimateriais,Laser and Led in bone and dental repair of FOAr – UNESP,Scientific Director of Núcleo de Pesquisa e Ensino de Fototerapia nas Ciências da Saúde – Nupen (Research andTeaching Center of Phototherapy in Health Sciences) – Brazil. He can be contacted at hpretel@hotmail.com. Dr Jackson Lins is a dental surgeon and a lawyer. He works at a private dental practice in Iguaba Grande,Brazil. Dr Ismael Drigo Cação is a dental surgeon, a master and a expert in facial phototherapy. Habilitation in laser by Conselho Federal de Odontologia(DentistryFederalCouncil)–CFO–Brazil. _about the authors cosmeticdentistry Fig. 6a Fig. 6b Fig. 6c Fig. 5a Fig. 5b Fig. 5c