Orthodontists must sometimes bond attachments to ceramic crowns, by using one of the surface preparations available, such as sandblasting or acid etching with hydrofluoric acid. Research shows that different laser systems may also be used for this purpose. The aim of this review is to determine which laser type and modality of use is the most effective in increasing shear bond strength of brackets bonded to ceramic surfaces. Two independent researchers studied the current literature 1990–2018 and selected original articles focusing on in vitro research on laser use for ceramic surface preparation for bonding metallic or ceramic attachments. Twelve articles have met the criteria and have been thoroughly revised, focusing on 2 fractional, Nd:Yag, Er:Yag, femtosecond and Ti:Sapphire lasers. There is little difference shown by the current studies between ceramic types and information on orthodontic bonding to non-feldspathic ceramics is scarce. Femtosecond laser is a good alternative to classical surface preparation with hydrofluoric acid. Nd:Yag laser is more suitable for surface preparation of ceramics than different types of Er:Yag lasers. Difference in laser power may achieve different results, but the golden standard for lasers use has not been found. Laser usage does not obtain the same results as hydrofluoric acid and cannot, so far, eliminate its application.
High-power Ti:Sapphire lasers: Temporal contrast and spectral narrowing
