Psst, Your Plaque Is Showing

Your teeth, like the rest of your body, start to decay as you age. And unfortunately, X-rays and observation alone can miss some of the hard-to-detect first signs of it. […]

By Liz Ritter, Executive Editor · Apr 4, 2012

Your teeth, like the rest of your body, start to decay as you age. And unfortunately, X-rays and observation alone can miss some of the hard-to-detect first signs of it. But, thanks to new technology, your smile could just be saved.

A new groundbreaking technology, QLF Online, combines blue light technology and a camera with computer imaging to expose invisible plaque. Researchers at The University of Liverpool and Inspektor Research Systems recently won a Medical Futures Award for creating this unique system that allows dentists to spot plaque before it’s visible to the naked eye. A necessary tool because, if discovered early enough, any minor damage that’s caused by excessive plaque can be treated and potentially reversed by remineralizing the enamel.

The system uses qualitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology to light up the teeth and highlight plaque and decay. Digital images are captured wirelessly onto smartphones and computers, and can be further examined via special software.

“The earlier decay is discovered, the smaller the restoration required, and many times, no restoration is needed at all if it is possible to reverse the process of decay. Such developments are forthcoming among many new concepts in both prevention and treatment of dental disease,” says Atlanta cosmetic dentist Ronald E. Goldstein, DDS.

For more smile innovations, check out the latest issue of NewBeauty magazine, on newsstands now.