Changes in plaque and gingivitis levels after tooth bleaching: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of external tooth-bleaching products on plaque indices and to compare it to a placebo or a negative control. METHODS: A protocol was developed aimed to answer the next focused question: What is the effect of tooth bleaching compared to no treatment or a placebo, in subjects without periodontitis aged ≥18 years in the levels of plaque and gingivitis? Two electronic databases were used as sources in the search for studies satisfying the inclusion criteria: (a) The National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE via PubMed); (b) Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. RESULTS: Only randomized controlled trials were included. The initial search found 382 potential publications. Seven of them were finally included, and six were used in the meta-analyses. The use of bleaching products showed higher reductions in plaque (n = 6; standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06, 0.88; P < 0.001) and gingivitis indices (n = 4; SMD = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.22, 0.73; P < 0.001), when compared to a control group (no treatment or placebo). CONCLUSIONS: External tooth bleaching is associated with statistically significant short-term reductions in plaque and gingivitis indices. However, no data were available to evaluate long-term effects.

Impression technique for a complete-arch prosthesis with multiple implants using additive manufacturing technologies.

This article describes an impression technique for a complete-arch prosthesis supported by multiple implants where additive manufacturing technologies were used to fabricate a splinting framework and a custom tray. The technique presented uses a shim method to control the homogenous splinting acrylic resin and impression material during the procedure, thereby reducing laboratory and chairside time and the number of impression copings and laboratory analogs needed.

Comparative Clinical Study of Two Tooth Whitening Protocols.

This study aimed to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of two different at-home whitening protocols and to determine which is more effective: applying the whitening gel (16% carbamide peroxide) every 24 hours (Group A) or every 48 hours (Group B) for 2 weeks. Group C received a placebo gel (glycerin) without peroxide, which was applied every 24 hours for 2 weeks. The differences in terms of tooth sensitivity were also analyzed. A sample of 60 patients was divided into three groups of 20 patients. To compare the groups, color measurements were made using a spectrophotometer, and Student t test was used for independent samples. The confidence level was set at 95% (P ≤ .05). No statistically significant differences were found between Groups A and B (P > .05). The study concluded that 16% carbamide peroxide was equally effective when applied with either protocol and obtained the same results, but the 48-hour application protocol produced less sensitivity than the 24-hour application protocol.

Comparative clinical study of two tooth bleaching protocols with 6% hydrogen peroxide.

Objective. The objective was to compare the clinical efficacy of two different tooth bleaching protocols after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment with an over-the-counter paint-on gel containing 6% hydrogen peroxide. Material and methods. Sixteen volunteer patients (minimum shade A2 or darker on maxillary teeth) were selected to participate in this randomized, single-blind (examiner-blinded), single-center, 2-group clinical trial using a divided mouth model. The product was applied in our clinic to one hemi-arch (Group I) in each patient at two sessions one week apart, making five applications at each session (separated by 10 min intervals). The patients themselves applied the product once a day for 10 days in the other hemiarch (Group II). Efficacy was measured according to the Vita Classical shade guide at baseline and at one and two weeks. Differences between groups (office-treated vs. home-treated hemiarches) were tested by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results. Significant (P < .05) differences in shade values were detected between pre- and post-bleaching in both groups. The two groups did not significantly differ in tooth shade at the end of the treatment. Conclusions. Treatment with 6% hydrogen peroxide gel using the paint-on system shows significant clinical efficacy whether applied by clinicians or by the patients themselves.