Over-the-counter tooth whitening agents: a review of literature

Abstract There is an increased accessibility of over-the-counter (OTC) whitening agents with very little data in the literature regarding their effectiveness. This review was done to determine their effectiveness of the predominant OTC whitening agents from 2006 until 2018 where a comparison of each agent was made with a placebo, no treatment or with other OTC whitening agents. The major categories of OTC whitening agents such as dentifrices, whitening strips and paint on gels. Dentist prescribed bleaching applied at home and in-office bleaching studies and studies that demonstrated whitening products to participants were excluded. Articles were searched for in the databases of Medline (Ovid), PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Twenty-four articles were included in the systematic review and the quality of studies was determined by the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) ranking criteria. Compared to other OTC, strips are reported to be effective. Two studies determined whitening strips to be effective. Whitening strips have been shown to be effective when compared with placebos and other OTC whitening agents. Dentifrices are effective in changing the shade of the tooth "by removing extrinsic stains" when compared to a placebo and non-whitening dentifrices, but they are not as effective in comparison to whitening strips. There is a lack of evidence with regards to the effectiveness of paint-on gels. While there is some evidence that OTC can alter shade in the short term, there is a need for better-designed studies.

Resumo Há um aumento da acessibilidade dos agentes clareadores de venda livre com poucos dados na literatura sobre sua eficácia. Esta revisão foi feita para determinar a eficácia dos agentes clareadores de venda livre predominantes de 2006 a 2018, onde foi feita uma comparação de cada agente com um placebo, sem tratamento ou com outros agentes clareadores de venda livre. As principais categorias de agentes clareadores de venda livre, como dentifrícios, tiras branqueadoras e géis. Estudos em que o dentista prescreveu clareamento caseiro e em consultório, e estudos que demonstraram os agentes clareadores para os participantes. Os artigos foram pesquisados ​​nas bases de dados do Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Cochrane Library e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Vinte e quatro artigos foram incluídos na revisão sistemática e a qualidade dos estudos foi determinada pelo critério de classificação GRADE (Classificação de Recomendações, Avaliação, Desenvolvimento e Avaliações). Em comparação com outros clareadores de venda livre, as tiras são relatadas como eficazes. Dois estudos determinaram que as tiras de clareamento são eficazes. As tiras de clareamento mostraram-se eficazes quando comparadas com placebos e outros agentes clareadores de venda livre. Os dentifrícios são eficazes na mudança da tonalidade do dente "removendo manchas extrínsecas" quando comparados a dentifrícios com placebo e sem clareamento, mas não são tão eficazes em comparação com as tiras de clareamento. Há uma falta de evidência com relação à eficácia dos géis de tinta. Embora exista alguma evidência de que os clareadores de venda livre possa alterar a tonalidade no curto prazo, há necessidade de estudos melhor projetados.

Effect of tooth enamel staining by coffee consumption during at-home tooth bleaching with carbamide peroxide / Efeito da coloração do esmalte dentário pelo consumo de café durante o clareamento dentário caseiro com peróxido de carbamida

Introduction: Obtaining the result expected during tooth bleaching requires a correct diagnosis of the type of staining presented. The causes of tooth staining differ depending on the etiological factor. Objective: To assess the color change caused by the immersion of bovine teeth in coffee solution during at-home tooth bleaching using a 16% carbamide peroxide gel. Material and method: Thirty-three sound bovine teeth were assigned to three groups of eleven teeth each: 1 - Teeth bleached (TB) four hours per day for 21 days; 2 - TB four hours per day for 21 days and immersed in coffee solution immediately after tooth bleaching; 3 - TB four hours per day for 21 days and immersed in coffee solution four hours after the end of tooth bleaching. Immersed in coffee was performed for 15 minutes and tooth color was assessed before the start of the bleaching procedure and after 21 days with an intraoral spectrophotometer. Test Shapiro-Wilk was used to assess homoscedasticity and data were submitted to one-factor Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p <0.05). Result: The color change observed in group 1 (5.76 ± 2.74)A was not statistically different from group 2 (8.83 ±5.11)A, which was immersed in coffee solution immediately after tooth bleaching, and from group 3, which was immersed in coffee solution four hours after tooth bleaching (8.20 ±3.71)A. Conclusion: Coffee did not interfere with the tooth bleaching results, regardless of the time after the procedure. Hence, diet restrictions are not necessary during tooth bleaching.

Introdução: A obtenção do resultado esperado durante o clareamento dental exige um diagnóstico correto do tipo de coloração apresentado. As causas da coloração dos dentes diferem dependendo do fator etiológico. Objetivo: Avaliar a mudança de cor causada pela imersão dos dentes bovinos na solução de café durante o clareamento dentário caseiro, utilizando gel de peróxido de carbamida a 16%. Material e método: Trinta e três dentes bovinos hígidos foram distribuídos em três grupos de onze dentes cada: 1 - Dentes clareados quatro horas por dia durante 21 dias; 2 - Dentes clareados quatro horas por dia durante 21 dias e imerso em solução de café imediatamente após o clareamento dentário; 3 - Dentes clareados quatro horas por dia durante 21 dias e imerso em solução de café quatro horas após o término do clareamento dentário. Imersão em café foi realizada durante 15 minutos e a cor dos dentes foi avaliada antes do início do procedimento do clareamento e após 21 dias com um espectrofotômetro intraoral. O teste Shapiro-Wilk foi utilizado para avaliar a homocedasticidade e os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância de um fator (ANOVA) e ao teste de Tukey (p <0,05). Resultado: A mudança de cor observada no grupo 1 (5,76 ± 2,74)A não foi estatisticamente diferente do grupo 2 (8,83 ± 5,11)A, imerso em solução de café imediatamente após o clareamento dentário, e do grupo 3, imerso em café quatro horas após o clareamento dental (8,20 ± 3,71). Conclusão: O café não interferiu nos resultados do clareamento dental, independentemente do tempo após o procedimento. Portanto, restrições alimentares não são necessárias durante o clareamento dental.

Initial and pulp chamber concentration of hydrogen peroxide using different bleaching products / Concentração de peróxido de hidrogênio na câmara pulpar utilizando diferentes produtos clareadores

Objective: This study's aim was to quantify the hydrogen peroxide (HP) penetration into the pulp chamber of teeth submitted to different protocols of bleaching. Material and Methods: Ninety premolars were randomly divided into nine groups according to the bleaching agent protocol (n = 10): control (no bleaching), carbamide peroxide 10% [10% CP], carbamide peroxide 16% [16% CP], carbamide peroxide 22% [22% CP], hydrogen peroxide 4% [4% HP], hydrogen peroxide 6% [6% HP], hydrogen peroxide 7.5% [7.5% HP], hydrogen peroxide 10% [10% HP] and hydrogen peroxide 35% [35% HP]. The penetration of HP was measured via spectrophotometric analysis of the acetate buffer solution from the pulp chamber. The absorbance of the resulting solution was determined in a spectrophotometer and converted into equivalent concentration of HP (µg/ mL). To analyze the concentration of HP, the titration of bleaching agents with potassium permanganate was used. Data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test for pairwise comparison (α = 0.05). Results: Higher concentration of HP in the pulp chamber was found in the HP 35% group (p < 0.0001). No significant difference between at-home protocols were observed (p = 0.64). Titration values showed that the concentration of the products was similar to that claimed by the manufacturer. Conclusion: It follows that the amount of HP that reaches the pulp chamber is not proportional to the concentration of whitening gels, but depends on the application time recommended by the manufacturers (AU)

Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar a penetração do peróxido de hidrogênio (PH) na câmara pulpar dos dentes submetidos a diferentes protocolos de clareamento. Material e Métodos: Noventa pré-molares foram divididos aleatoriamente em nove grupos, de acordo com o protocolo do agente clareador (n = 10): controle (sem clareamento), peróxido de carbamida 10% [PC 10%], peróxido de carbamida 16% [PC 16%], peróxido de carbamida 22% [PC 22%], peróxido de hidrogênio 4% [PH 4%], peróxido de hidrogênio 6% [PH 6%], peróxido de hidrogênio 7,5% [PH 7,5%], peróxido de hidrogênio 10% [PH 10%] e peróxido de hidrogênio 35% [PH 35%]. A penetração de PH foi medida por análise espectrofotométrica da solução de tampão de acetato da câmara pulpar. A absorvância da solução resultante foi determinada em um espectrofotômetro e convertida em concentração equivalente de PH (µg / mL). Para analisar a concentração de PH, foi utilizada a titulação de agentes clareadores com permanganato de potássio. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA e teste de Tukey para comparação pareada (α = 0,05). Resultados: Foi encontrada maior concentração de PH na câmara pulpar no grupo PH 35% (p < 0,0001). Não foi observada diferença significativa entre os protocolos domiciliares (p = 0,64). Os valores de titulação mostraram que a concentração dos produtos era semelhante à reivindicada pelo fabricante. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a quantidade de PH que atinge a câmara pulpar não é proporcional à concentração de géis clareadores, porém depende do tempo de aplicação recomendado pelos fabricantes.(AU)

Effect of violet LED light on in-office bleaching protocols: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract Objective This study evaluated the clinical effect of violet LED light on in-office bleaching used alone or combined with 37% carbamide peroxide (CP) or 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP). Methodology A total of 100 patients were divided into five groups (n=20): LED, LED/CP, CP, LED/HP and HP. Colorimetric evaluation was performed using a spectrophotometer (ΔE, ΔL, Δa, Δb) and a visual shade guide (ΔSGU). Calcium (Ca)/phosphorous (P) ratio was quantified in the enamel microbiopsies. Measurements were performed at baseline (T 0 ), after bleaching (T B ) and in the 14-day follow-up (T 14 ). At each bleaching session, a visual scale determined the absolute risk (AR) and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS). Data were evaluated by one-way (ΔE, Δa, ΔL, Δb), two-way repeated measures ANOVA (Ca/P ratio), and Tukey post-hoc tests. ΔSGU and TS were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney, and AR by Chi-Squared tests (a=5%). Results LED produced the lowest ΔE (p<0.05), but LED/HP promoted greater ΔE, ΔSGU and Δb (T 14 ) than HP (p<0.05). No differences were observed in ΔE and ΔSGU for LED/CP and HP groups (p>0.05). ΔL and Δa were not influenced by LED activation. After bleaching, LED/CP exhibited greater Δb than CP (p>0.05), but no differences were found between these groups at T 14 (p>0.05). LED treatment promoted the lowest risk of TS (16%), while HP promoted the highest (94.4%) (p<0.05). No statistical differences of risk of TS were found for CP (44%), LED/CP (61%) and LED/HP (88%) groups (p>0.05). No differences were found in enamel Ca/P ratio among treatments, regardless of evaluation times. Conclusions Violet LED alone produced the lowest bleaching effect, but enhanced HP bleaching results. Patients treated with LED/CP reached the same efficacy of HP, with reduced risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity and none of the bleaching protocols adversely affected enamel mineral content.

Evaluation of reservoirs in bleaching trays for at-home bleaching: a split-mouth single-blind randomized controlled equivalence trial

Abstract Objectives This randomized, split-mouth, single-blinded trial assessed whether the use of reservoirs in at-home bleaching trays is equivalent to non-reservoir trays. Our choice of an equivalence trial was based on the expectation that a non-reservoir tray is sufficient to produce a color change. Secondary outcomes such as tooth sensitivity (TS) and gingival irritation (GI) were also assessed. Methodology Forty-six patients were selected with canines shade A2 or darker. In half of the patient's arch, bleaching trays were made with reservoirs and the other half, without reservoirs. At-home bleaching was performed with carbamide peroxide (CP) 10% (3 h daily; 21 days). Color change was evaluated with a digital spectrophotometer (ΔE, ΔE00, and Whiteness Index) and shade guide units (ΔSGU) at baseline, during and one-month post-bleaching. TS and GI were assessed with a numeric scale (NRS) and a visual analog scale (VAS). Results After one month, the equivalence of reservoir and non-reservoir groups were observed in all color instruments (p>0.05). Fifteen and sixteen patients presented pain (absolute risk: 33% and 35%, 95%, confidence interval (CI) 21-46% and 23-49%) in the reservoir and non-reservoir side, respectively. The odds ratio for pain was 0.8 (95%CI 0.2-3.0) and the p-value was non-significant (p=1.0). TS intensity was similar between both groups in any of the pain scales (p>0.05). No difference in the GI was observed (p>0.05). Conclusions The protocol with reservoirs is equivalent in color change to the non-reservoir, although no superiority of the latter was observed in terms of reduced TS and GI with at-home 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching. Clinical Relevance The presence of reservoirs in a bleaching tray did not improve color change or affect tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation.

Effect of dental bleaching on pulp oxygen saturation in maxillary central incisors - a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective To assess pulp oxygen saturation levels (SaO2) in maxillary central incisors after dental bleaching. Materials and Methods 80 participants (160 teeth) were randomly allocated to four groups: G1 In-office bleaching with two applications of 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) (20 minutes), followed by at-home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) (2 hours/day for 16 days); G2 - Same protocol as G1, plus desensitizing toothpaste; G3 - In-office bleaching with 35% HP and one application of placebo gel (20 minutes), followed by at-home bleaching with 10% CP (2 hours/day for 16 days); and G4 - Same protocol as G3, plus desensitizing toothpaste. Pulp SaO2 levels were measured before (T0) and immediately after (T1) in-office bleaching; on the 5th (T2), 8th (T3), 12th (T4), and 16th days of at-home bleaching (T5); and on the 7th (T6) and 30th (T7) days. Mean (SD) pulp SaO2 levels were compared within groups by generalized estimating equations (GEE) and Student's t-test (P<0.05). Results Mean pulp SaO2 at T0 was 84.29% in G1, 84.38% in G2, 84.79% in G3, and 85.83% in G4. At T1, these values decreased to 81.96%, 82.06%, 82.19%, and 81.15% in G1, G2, G3, and G4 respectively, with significant difference in G4 (P<0.05). During home bleaching, pulp SaO2 levels varied in all groups, with 86.55%, 86.60%, 85.71%, and 87.15% means at T7 for G1, G2, G3, and G4, respectively; G2 presented significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusions Pulp SaO2 level in maxillary central incisors was similar at baseline, reducing immediately after in-office bleaching, regardless of using desensitizing toothpaste and increasing at 30 days after dental bleaching.

Avaliação clínica prospectiva randomizada do monitoramento digital de pacientes submetidos ao clareamento caseiro: efeito do tempo de uso do produto clareador nos graus de colaboração e satisfação do paciente, na efetividade e ocorrência de sensibilidade / Clinical prospective randomized evaluation of the digital monitoring of patients submitted to home bleaching: effect of the wear time of the bleaching product on the levels of collaboration and patient satisfaction, on the effectiveness and occurrence of sensitivity

Este estudo prospectivo, randomizado e paralelo analisou a alteração de cor, sensibilidade dental, grau de cooperação e satisfação de voluntários quando submetidos ao clareamento dental com peróxido de carbamida a 10%, empregado durante 21 dias por 2, 4 e 8 horas/dia. O tempo preciso do uso diário das moldeiras/produto clareador foi mensurado por meio de um microssensor TheraMon (Sales Agency Gschladt, Hargelsberhg, Áustria). Sessenta e seis voluntários, de ambos os gêneros, com idades entre 18 e 22 anos foram selecionados e distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos de estudo (n = 22), os quais receberam as informações sobre a presença do microssensor em suas moldeiras. O fator estudado foi o tempo de uso das moldeiras em três níveis: 2 (GI), 4 (GII) e 8 (GIII) hrs/dia. Para a análise clínica, as variáveis de resposta foram: grau de cooperação diária dos voluntários de acordo com o tempo de uso diário das moldeiras; grau de satisfação dos voluntários com o clareamento dental; eficácia do clareamento dental nos incisivos e caninos superiores e inferiores pelo método visual (Vita Classical) e digital (Vita Easyshade), assim como o grau de sensibilidade dental que foi avaliado com método analógico-visual. Os voluntários foram avaliados no período inicial (baseline), aos 7, 14 e 21 dias após o início do tratamento clareador e 14 dias após apenas para as observações da cor, sensibilidade e grau de satisfação. Os dados foram analisados com aplicação do teste ANOVA e pelo post teste de Tukey. Para o grau de cooperação diária dos voluntários, foram utilizadas observações dos tempos de uso das moldeiras (escores/dias) para cada arco e correspondentes a cada semana de tratamento. A análise digital apontou um mesmo nível de alteração de cor em todos os tempos de análise e de uso das moldeiras/produto clareador; exceção para o tempo de análise 7 dias do arco superior, que evidenciou uma maior alteração de cor para os maiores tempos de uso das moldeiras/produto clareador. A análise visual evidenciou que os maiores tempos de uso das moldeiras/produto clareador apresentou uma maior alteração de cor, após o tratamento clareador. A sensibilidade dental foi observada durante o tratamento clareador, mas postou-se praticamente ausente 14 dias após o clareamento. A maioria dos voluntários não seguiram as prescrições sugeridas do tempo de uso diário das moldeiras/produto clareador, sendo que os voluntários que as usaram pelo menor tempo apresentaram um maior grau de cooperação. A utilização das moldeiras/produto clareador por mais tempo foi capaz de proporcionar maior efetividade na alteração de cor e no grau de satisfação dos voluntários. Quanto mais prolongado o tempo de uso diário das moldeiras/produto clareador, maiores as chances de os voluntários não seguirem o protocolo recomendado(AU)

This prospective, randomized, parallel study analyzed the color change, tooth sensitivity, degrees of cooperation, and satisfaction of volunteers when submitted to at home dental bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide (Opalescence - Ultradent Products, Inc. South Jordan, USA) for 21 consecutive days for 2, 4 and 8 hours/day. The wear time of acetate trays/dental bleaching was measured through a TheraMon microsensor (TheraMon® microelectronic system; Sales AgencyGschladt, Hargelsberhg, Austria). Sixty six volunteers, both sexes, with ages ranging from 18 to 22 years were selected and randonly distributed into 3 study groups (n=22). The volunters received information about presence of the microsensor in their trays. The fator studied was the wear time of the trays in three levels: during 2 (GI), 4 (GII) and 8 (GIII) hours/day. For the clinical analysis the response variables were: the degree of daily cooperation of the volunteers as the wear time/daily of the trays, microelectrically collected by micro sensor TheraMon®; the degree of satisfaction of volunteers with dental bleaching; the effectiveness of dental bleaching in the upper and lower incisors and canines teeth, by the visual method (Vita Classical) and digital (Vita Easyshade) and dental sensitivity was evaluated by the volunteers with a scale visual analog method on a scale of 0 to 10. The volunteers were evaluated at baseline period, at one, two and three weeks after the beginning of the bleaching treatment, and again two weeks after the bleaching treatment only for the observations of the color, sensitivity and degree of satisfaction. The data were analyzed using the ANOVA test and the Tukey post test. The digital analysis showed the same level of color change in all times of analysis and wear time of the trays; exception for the analysis time 7 days of the upper arch, which evidenced a greater color change for the longer time of wear time of the trays. The visual analysis evidenced that the greater wear time of the trays presented a greater color change, after the bleaching treatment. Dental sensitivity was observed throughout the bleaching treatment, but it was practically absent 14 days after treatment. Most of the volunteers did not follow the suggested prescriptions of the wear time daily of the trays, with those who used them for the shortest time presenting the highest degree of cooperation. The wear time of the trays/bleaching product for 8 hours/day, provided greater effectiveness of the color change in the visual and digital analysis, as well as greater degree of satisfaction of the volunteers. A discreet sensitivity was observed throughout the bleaching treatment, but it was practically absent 14 days after bleaching. It was observed that the volunteers did not follow correctly the prescriptions of the wear times of the trays/bleaching product, evidencing less the degree of collaboration of the volunteers for the greater wear times of the trays(AU)

Análise de citotoxicidade, desmineralização e potencial clareador de géis clareadores experimentais, baseado em peróxido de carbamida 15% adicionados de nano-hidróxiapatita / Analysis of cytotoxicity, demineralization and bleaching potential of experimental bleaching gels, based on 15% carbamide peroxide added with nanohydroxyapatite

O clareamento dental é considerado um procedimento muito seguro, de efeito rápido e agradável, tornando-se um dos procedimentos mais realizados na odontologia. Contudo, o mesmo apresenta alguns efeitos colaterais, sendo o principal deles a sensibilidade dental, que pode ser causada pela citotoxidade, pela desmineralização, pela geração de espécies reativas do oxigênio na polpa dental e pela degradação da região interprismática facilitando o estimulo nos túbulos dentinários. Diante disso, a presente pesquisa avaliou a desmineralização, a citotoxidade e o potencial clareador de géis clareadores experimentais baseados em peróxido de carbamida (PC) 15%, adicionados de 5% e 10% de nano partículas de hidroxiapatita (n-Hap). Para a avaliação cromática foram utilizados 36 incisivos bovinos divididos em 3 grupos: Grupo1 PC 15%, Grupo 2 PC 15% adicionado 5% nHap e grupo 3 PC 15% com 10% n-Hap, mensurando a cor antes e depois do procedimento terapêutico clareador com auxilio de um espectrofotômetro. As coordenadas do CIELAB foram analisadas para verificação da diferença de cor (ΔE) obtida entre os grupos e dentro do próprio grupo (L*) e, após a analise estatística, foi verificado que todos os géis foram capazes de clarear e não houve diferenças entre os grupos. A citotoxidade foi verificada através da absorbância das células viáveis após o tratamento com o MTT e 1:800 das preparações de agente clareador e gel contendo 5% e 10% de n-Hap aplicadas sobre células L929. Nesse caso os grupos foram desiguais estatisticamente, apresentando o PC 15% como o mais tóxico, seguido do PC 15% adicionado de 10% de n-Hap e o melhor resultado foi obtido pelo gel acrecido de 5% de n-Hap. A análise do conteúdo mineral foi realizada pela fluorescência de raios X por dispersão de energia, onde foi necessário o uso de 15 dentes bovinos, que tiveram seus terços médios seccionados, embutidos em resina epóxi e planificados, e foram dividos em grupos de 5 CPs. Cada CP foi aferido em 8 pontos diferentes antes e depois, nos mesmos pontos da terapia clareadora. Foi então verificado que os géis experimentais apresentaram menor perda de Ca e P. No entanto, não houve diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos 2 e 3. Diante das limitações do presente estudo in vitro é possível concluir que os géis experimentais contendo n-Hap foram eficazes em reduzir a citotoxidade e desmineralização sem perder a eficácia da terapia clareadora

Dental whitening is considered a very safe, quick and pleasant procedure, making it one of the most accomplished procedures in dentistry. However, it has some side effects, the main one being sensibility, which can be caused by cytotoxicity, demineralization, oxygen arrival in the dental pulp and the degradation of the interprismatic region facilitating the stimulation in the dentin tubes. Therefore, the present study evaluated the demineralization, cytotoxicity and bleaching potential of 15% carbamide peroxide-based (PC) based bleaching gels added with 5% and 10% nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Hap) particles. For the chromatic evaluation, 36 bovine incisors were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 PC 15%, Group 2 PC 15% added 5% nHap and group 3 PC 15% with 10% n-Hap, measuring the color before and after the the CIELAB coordinates were analyzed to verify the color difference (Δe) obtained between the groups and within the group (L *). After the statistical analysis it was verified that all the gels were able to lighten and there were no differences between the groups. Cytotoxicity was verified by optical density of viable cells after treatment with MTT and 1: 800 of the bleach and gel preparations containing 5% and 10% nHap applied in L929 cells. In this case, the groups were statistically unequal, presenting 15% PC as the most toxic, followed by PC 15% added with 10% n-Hap and the best result was obtained by the 5% n-Hap increased gel. The mineral content analysis was performed by X-ray Fluorescence by energy dispersion, where it was necessary to use 15 bovine teeth, which had their middle sections sectioned, embedded in epoxy resin and planned, and were divided into groups of 5 CPs, each CP was measured at 8 different points before and after, at the same points of the bleaching therapy, then it was verified that the experimental gels presented a lower loss of Ca and P, however there were no statistical differences between groups 2 and 3. On the face of the limitations of the present in vitro study, it is possible to conclude that the experimental gels were effective in reducing the cytotoxicity and demineralization without losing the effectiveness of the bleaching therapy.

Neurosensory analysis of tooth sensitivity during at-home dental bleaching: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate dental sensitivity using visual analogue scale, a Computerized Visual Analogue Scale (CoVAS) and a neurosensory analyzer (TSA II) during at-home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide, with and without potassium oxalate. Materials and Methods Power Bleaching 10% containing potassium oxalate was used on one maxillary hemi-arch of the 25 volunteers, and Opalescence 10% was used on the opposite hemi-arch. Bleaching agents were used daily for 3 weeks. Analysis was performed before treatment, 24 hours later, 7, 14, and 21 days after the start of the treatment, and 7 days after its conclusion. The spontaneous tooth sensitivity was evaluated using the visual analogue scale and the sensitivity caused by a continuous 0°C stimulus was analyzed using CoVAS. The cold sensation threshold was also analyzed using the TSA II. The temperatures obtained were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=5%). Results The data obtained with the other methods were also analyzed. 24 hours, 7 and 14 days before the beginning of the treatment, over 20% of the teeth presented spontaneous sensitivity, the normal condition was restored after the end of the treatment. Regarding the cold sensation temperatures, both products sensitized the teeth (p<0.05) and no differences were detected between the products in each period (p>0.05). In addition, when they were compared using CoVAS, Power Bleaching caused the highest levels of sensitivity in all study periods, with the exception of the 14th day of treatment. Conclusion We concluded that the bleaching treatment sensitized the teeth and the product with potassium oxalate was not able to modulate tooth sensitivity.

High-concentration carbamide peroxide can reduce the sensitivity caused by in-office tooth bleaching: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objectives A single-blinded, randomized, parallel clinical trial evaluated the use of 37% carbamide peroxide (CP) on bleaching effectiveness and tooth sensitivity reported by patients undergoing in-office tooth bleaching, in comparison with the results of using 35% hydrogen peroxide. Material and Methods Forty patients were allocated to receive two sessions of in-office tooth bleaching using either 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) or 37% CP. Each patient's sensitivity level was evaluated during and up to 24 h after bleaching. The effectiveness of the bleaching procedures was evaluated with a spectrophotometer one week after each session and 30 days after the last session. The impact of tooth bleaching on the patients' perceptions regarding smile changes, in addition to the bleaching procedures and their results, were also recorded. Absolute and relative sensitivity risks were calculated. Data on sensitivity level were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney or T-test, and data from the color evaluation were subjected to 2-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results The use of CP reduced the risk and level of tooth sensitivity to values close to zero, whereas the difference between the bleaching agents disappeared after 24 h. An increased bleaching effect was observed for HP, mainly due to an improved reduction of redness and yellowness. Participants perceived improved tooth bleaching for HP and reduced sensitivity for CP, but no differences regarding the comfort of the techniques were noted. Conclusions In our study, 37% CP resulted in reduced tooth sensitivity but decreased the tooth bleaching effectiveness. However, both bleaching agents resulted in high levels of patient satisfaction.

Citotoxicidade trans-amelodentinária e alterações estruturais no esmalte após clareamento com géis caseiros a base de peróxido da carbamida / Transenamel and transdentinal cytotoxicity and changes on enamel structure after tooth bleaching with 10 and 16% of carbamide peroxide gels

No clareamento dental caseiro são utilizados géis clareadores contendo baixas concentrações de peróxido de carbamida (PC). Entretanto, o componente ativo responsável pelo clareamento é o peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2), o qual pode se difundir através do esmalte e dentina e causar efeitos tóxicos sobre células pulpares. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a citotoxicidade trans-amelodentinária de géis clareadores à base de PC sobre células odontoblastóides MDPC23 após diferentes tempos de contato dos produtos com o esmalte, bem como o efeito do clareamento na estrutura dental. Para avaliação da citotoxicidade, discos de esmalte/dentina obtidos de incisivos bovinos foram adaptados em câmaras pulpares artificiais. Géis clareadores com 10% ou 16% de PC foram aplicados por 8 horas diárias sobre a superfície de esmalte pelos períodos de 1, 7 ou 14 dias. Os extratos (meio de cultura + produtos do gel clareador que se difundiram através do esmalte/dentina) foram aplicados por 1 hora sobre as células em cultura, sendo realizada avaliação do metabolismo celular pelo teste do MTT (α=5%; Anova um critério e teste de Tukey), e da morfologia celular por MEV. Para avaliação das alterações estruturais do esmalte, foi realizada mensuração da microdureza Knoop (α=5%; Anova dois critérios e teste de Tukey) em blocos de esmalte (50g/15s) antes do clareamento e nos períodos de 1, 7 e 14 dias, bem como avaliação da morfologia superficial por MEV. Os resultados não demonstraram diferença significante para o metabolismo celular entre o grupo controle e nos grupos onde foi aplicado o gel com PC a 10% (p>0.05). Já para os grupos clareados com 16% de PC, foi observado diferença significante nos períodos de 1, 7 e 14 dias quando comparados ao grupo controle (p<0.05). Não houve diferença significante quando se comparou os grupos 10% e 16% de PC em todos os períodos experimentais entre si (p>0.05). Com relação à microdureza, foi possível observar diferença estatisticamente significante entre o grupo clareado com PC 10% e o controle apenas nos períodos de 7 e 14 dias. Para o grupo clareado com PC a 16%, foi possível observar diferença significante nos períodos de 1, 7 e 14 dias. A análise do esmalte por MEV demonstrou aumento da porosidade nos espécimes clareados com PC a 16%. Portanto, foi possível concluir que, independente do número de aplicações do gel clareador com 10% de PC sobre a superfície de esmalte, o produto não resultou em citotoxicidade trans-amelodentinária para as células MDPC-23. Entretanto, a citotoxicidade ocorreu mesmo após uma única aplicação do gel clareador com 16% de CP sobre o esmalte. As alterações na estrutura do esmalte foram mais significativas quando o clareamento foi realizado com PC a 16%, o que provavelmente determinou uma maior difusão de componentes tóxicos dos géis clareadores pela estrutura dental

The home bleaching technique uses gels with low concentrations of carbamide peroxide (CP). However, the hydrogen peroxide is the active component and can difuse by enamel and dentine to cause toxic effects on pulp cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the trans-enamel and transdentinal cytotoxicity of bleaching gels based on carbamide peroxide (CP) on odontoblast-like cells after different contact times of the products with enamel, and the effects of bleaching on the tooth structure. To analyze the citotoxicity, enamel/dentine discs were obtained from bovine incisors and placed in artificial pulp chambers. Bleaching gels containing 10% or 16% CP were applied for 8 hours/day on the enamel side of the discs during periods of 1, 7 or 14 days. The extracts (culture medium plus bleaching gel products that diffused through the discs) were collected and applied on previously cultured MDPC-23 cells for 1 hour. Cell metabolism was evaluated by the MTT assay (α=0.05; one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test), and the cell morphology was analysed by SEM. To evaluate the structural changes on the enamel, the Knoop microhardness was analized (α=0.05; two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test) on enamel blocks (50g/15s) before and after 1, 7 and 14 applications of bleaching agent, and the morphological surface was analized by SEM. There were no significant difference (p>0.05) for cell metabolism between the controls and the groups bleached with 10% CP gel. In the groups bleached with 16% CP gel, however, cell metabolism decreased significantly (p<0.05) at 1, 7 and 14 days. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) among 1, 7 or 14 applications of the gels for either of the CP concentrations. The microhardness for the groups bleached with 10% CP gel have difference with the control group after 7 and 14 applications. For the groups bleached with 16% of CP, significant difference was observed in all periods analysed. The SEM analysis demonstrate increase in porosity in the specimens treated with 16% of CP. There was possible to conclude that, regardless of the number of applications on an enamel surface, the 10% CP bleaching gel did not cause trans-enamel and transdentinal cytotoxicity to the MDPC-23 cell cultures. However, diffusion of products from the 16% CP gel through enamel and dentine and cytopathic effects to the pulp cells occurred even after a single application of this product on enamel. The enamel modifications were more significants when de 16% CP gel was utilized, generating increase in toxic components diffusion by tooth structure