Clinical effectiveness of over-the-counter bleaching systems

Clinical effectiveness of over-the-counter bleaching systems

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of over-the-counter systems compared to the classical nightguard vital bleaching technique with 10% carbamide peroxide. Methods: Volunteers with all anterior teeth and discoloration higher than A3 according to the vita shade guide were selected and randomly distributed into 5 groups according to the experimental treatments: G1-10% carbamide peroxide gel (Whiteness Perfect, FGM), G2-10% carbamide peroxide paste (Colgate Platinum, Colgate), G3-6.5% hydrogen peroxide strips (Crest Whitestrips, Crest), G4- 18% carbamide peroxide varnish (Simply White, Colgate), and G5- a placebo carbopol gel was applied for 3 weeks. The effectiveness of experimental treatments was evaluated with a vita shade guide ordered by luminosity at six different periods: before treatment; after 1, 2, and 3 weeks during bleaching treatment; and after 1 and 2 weeks subsequent to the end of treatment. In the first evaluation, the most discolorated central incisor and canine tooth were chosen as reference for the subsequent evaluations. The means of luminosity were submitted to repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: Nightguard bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide was the most effective technique and bleached a mean of 6 shades after 3 weeks. The 6.5% hydrogen peroxide strips effectiveness was similar to at-home bleaching systems. The 18% carbamide peroxide varnish and the placebo gel did not bleach teeth. Conclusions: The over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide bleaching strips effectiveness was similar to the conventional nightguard bleaching technique.

Grant: FAPESP 2004/01175-0