The influence of smoking on the effectiveness of at-home bleaching: A prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of smoking on tooth whitening and color change after at-home bleaching. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective clinical study evaluated two groups of participants: NS-non-smokers (n = 24) and S-smokers (n = 16). All subjects were treated with at-home bleaching using 22% carbamide peroxide (CP) for 1 h/day for 14 days. Color coordinates (L*-luminosity, a*-red-green axis and b*-yellow-blue axis) were obtained before bleaching (D0-baseline), 1 day (D1), 15 days (D15), and 1 month (D30) after bleaching. The whiteness index (WID ) and CIEDE2000 color differences (ΔE00 ) were calculated for S and NS. Color changes between S and NS subjects for specific teeth (CI-Central Incisors, LI-Lateral Incisors, and C-Canines) were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in WID between S and NS subjects at baseline. NS participants showed higher WID than S at D1, D15, and D30 (p < 0.05). NS showed higher ΔWID for CI and C between D0 and the other evaluation times (D1, D15, and D30) compared to S. Smokers showed higher darkening of CI than NS in ΔWID D30-D1 (p < 0.05). Color changes showed similar overall behavior for ΔWID . For all evaluation times, ΔWID and ΔE00 values were below the corresponding acceptability thresholds. CONCLUSION: At-home bleaching was effective on smokers and nonsmokers. Smoking negatively affected color stability after bleaching. ΔE00 and ΔWID were acceptable for both groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although smoking negatively affected color stability after bleaching, the observed changes were clinically acceptable.

Topical application of Otosporin® before in-office bleaching: a split mouth, triple-blind, multicenter randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if the topical application of Otosporin® before in-office bleaching with a 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) gel reduces the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS), as well as the bleaching effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty participants were selected for this split mouth, triple-blind, multicenter randomized clinical trial. Before each bleaching session, the placebo was applied in the patient's hemi-arch and the other half received the Otosporin®, according to the randomization procedure. Both products were applied topically for 10 min. The 35% HP was applied in two sessions with a 1-week interval. The risk and intensity of TS were assessed using the Numerical Scale (NRS) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The bleaching effectiveness were evaluated with the visual scales and with a digital spectrophotometer. The absolute risk of TS was compared by McNemar's test. To compare the intensity of TS, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate the NRS, while the paired t test was used to evaluate VAS. Bleaching effectiveness (ΔSGUs and ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔWID) was compared between groups using the paired t-test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: No significant difference at risk (p = 1.0) and intensity of TS (p > 0.59; VAS and p = 1.00 for NRS) was detected between groups. For both groups, a significant bleaching was observed after 30 days of evaluation (p < 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: The previous application of Otosporin® in the in-office bleaching did not reduce the risk and intensity of TS and did not affect the effectiveness of the bleaching. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The application of Otosporin® before in-office bleaching with 35% HP was not able to reduce the risk and intensity of TS.

Efficacy and tooth sensitivity of at-home bleaching in patients with esthetic restorations: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the color change and tooth sensitivity (TS) caused by at-home bleaching in patients with sound and with restored teeth. METHODS: Forty patients were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into two groups: So (patients with six caries-free maxillary anterior teeth) and Re (patients with at least one restoration in the six maxillary anterior teeth). Both groups were bleached with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) at-home bleaching. The color change (CIELab [ΔE*ab], CIEDE00 [ΔE00], and whiteness index [∆WID]) were assessed using a spectrophotometer at baseline, 2 weeks, and 1 and 3 months after bleaching. Patients recorded their TS using a numeric rating scale (0-4). Data of color change were submitted to Student's T-test. The absolute risk and intensity of TS were compared using Fisher's and the Mann-Whitney tests, respectively (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Higher ΔE*ab, ΔE00, and ∆WID values were observed for So in relation to Re after all recall rate (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed regarding of bleaching-induced TS (p > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: At-home dental bleaching with 10% CP generated the same pattern of TS in patients with or without restorations. However, in patients with restored teeth, it produced a lower color change after 2 weeks of bleaching. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: After 2 weeks of at-home bleaching, a lower whitening effect was observed in patients with anterior restorations when compared with patients with sound teeth. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier RBR-52j6gmg.

Effects of a reduced in-office bleaching protocol with 37.5% hydrogen peroxide on effectiveness and tooth sensitivity: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness and tooth sensitivity (TS) of 37.5% hydrogen peroxide (37.5HP) in-office bleaching with reduced protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty participants with shade mean C2 or darker for the six maxillary anterior teeth were randomly allocated into two treatment groups (n = 20): two (37.5HP2) or three (37.5HP3) 8 min applications/clinical session. Three clinical sessions were performed with a 1 week interval. Color evaluations were done with a spectrophotometer at baseline and 1 week post-bleaching. TS was measured during and up to 48 h after bleaching using a five-point numeric rating scale. Color change was evaluated by Student's t-test for independent samples. The absolute risk and intensity of TS were analyzed by Fisher's and Mann-Whitney/Friedman tests (p < 0.05). RESULT: Both treatment groups resulted in a significant tooth whitening 1 week post-bleaching (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between 37.5HP2 and 37.5HP3 for ΔE*ab , ΔE00 and ∆WID . Also, there were not differences between groups regarding high absolute risk (p = 1.0) and low intensity of TS at all time assessments (p > 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: The in-office bleaching with two 37.5% HP applications produced the same whitening degree, risk and intensity of TS to that performed with three gel applications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians should opt to use a neutral 37.5% HP in-office bleaching gel for two 8 min applications/clinical session because produces the same whitening effectiveness, risk and low intensity of TS as the protocol proposed by manufacturer (three 8 min applications).

Efficacy of whitening toothpaste containing blue covarine: A double-blind controlled randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of a blue-covarine whitening toothpaste on tooth bleaching. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy-five subjects with shade mean C1 or darker were randomized into three groups (n = 25): CT-conventional toothpaste, WT-whitening toothpaste, and CP10-10% carbamide peroxide. Subjects from CT and WT brushed their teeth twice/day for 2 weeks. CP10 used bleaching gel for 4 hours/night for 2 weeks. Tooth shade and CIELab parameters were measured at baseline, after the first application, 2- and 4-week. ΔE*ab and ΔE00 were calculated. Subjects' perception about tooth color appearance, tooth sensitivity (TS), and gingival irritation (GI) were also assessed. RESULTS: At all evaluation periods, it was not observed differences between WT and CT considering tooth shade (P > 0.7) or CIELab parameters (P > 0.3). At 2- and 4-week, ΔE*ab and ΔE00 were higher for CP10 than WT or CT (P = 0.001). WT and CT reported major dissatisfaction with tooth color appearance than CP10 (P = 0.001). At 1- and 2-week, WT experienced GI and TS similar to CT, both lower than CP10 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the whitening efficacy between whitening and conventional toothpastes. Neither of the dentifrices was as effective as at-home bleaching. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The silica-based toothpaste containing blue covarine evaluated in this study did not give significant tooth whitening benefits over 2 weeks of use.

Effect of temperature and storage time on dental bleaching effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of storage time and temperature on the effectiveness of bleaching agents. METHODS: Enamel slabs were randomly allocated according to the concentration of carbamide peroxide (CP): 10% (CP10) and 16% (CP16). Shade evaluations were conducted at baseline and then after 3 and 12 months of storage at 3 different temperatures: 10°C (±2°C), 25°C (±2°C), and 35°C (±2°C). Objective color evaluation was performed (spectrophotometer CIEL*a*b* system and CIEDE2000) to calculate the color change (ΔE00 ). Subjective evaluation was performed using the VITA classical shade guide followed by shade variation (ΔS). RESULTS: The bleaching effect of different CP concentrations (10% and 16%) at baseline showed no differences with regard to objective (ΔE00 ) and subjective parameters (ΔS) (P > .05). No differences were observed between CP concentrations stored for the same length of time and at the same temperature for either parameter (P > .05). In terms of objective measurement (ΔE00 ), a reduction in the bleaching effect was shown for both CP concentrations (10% and 16%) when stored for 12 months at 35°C, and compared with the baseline (P < .05). As regards the subjective parameters (ΔS), after 12 months, both CP concentrations (10% and 16%) stored at 35°C showed a decrease in bleaching capacity compared to baseline (P < .05). CP10 and CP16 stored at 10°C and 25°C did not suffer any loss in bleaching ability, even after 12 months (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The storage of bleaching agents for long periods at high temperatures can reduce the bleaching effectiveness of CP at 10% and 16%. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians must be made aware that they should store their bleaching products under proper temperature conditions and use them within an appropriate time frame; otherwise, the bleaching effect could be lost.

At-home bleaching versus whitening toothpastes for treatment of tooth discoloration: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of whitening toothpastes and at-home bleaching for the treatment of tooth discoloration. METHODOLOGY: A cost-effectiveness economic analysis was conducted, and eight randomized clinical trials were selected based on the whitening agent product used: blue covarine dentifrices (BCD), hydrogen peroxide dentifrices (HPD), dentifrices without bleaching agents (CD, negative control), and 10% carbamide peroxide (CP10, positive control) for at-home bleaching. The consumer/patient perspective was adopted, macro-costing techniques were used and a decision tree model was performed considering the costs in the American and Brazilian markets. The color change evaluation (ΔE*ab) was used to calculate the effectiveness of tooth bleaching. A probabilistic analysis was performed using a Monte Carlo simulation and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were obtained. RESULTS: CP10 resulted in the highest cost-effectiveness compared to the use of dentifrices in both markets. In Brazil, HPD was more cost-effective than BCD and CD. In the US, the increased costs of HPD and BCD did not generate any whitening benefit compared to CD. CONCLUSIONS: CP10 was more cost-effective than BCD and HPD for tooth bleaching from the perspectives of the Brazilian and American markets. Decision-making should consider the use of CP10 for treating tooth discoloration.

Over-the-counter products in tooth bleaching: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To map and summarize the current scientific evidence concerning the active ingredients, effectiveness, and adverse effects of over-the-counter (OTC) bleaching products. DATA AND SOURCE: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews and registered on the Open Science Framework platform. STUDY SELECTION: Database searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus up to January 2024. All in vitro, in situ, and clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness and adverse effects of OTC bleaching products were included. A descriptive analysis of the included studies was performed. RESULTS: A total of 88 studies were included. Most of them were in vitro studies (n = 49), followed by randomized clinical trials (n = 28). The main OTC bleaching products identified were whitening or stain-removing toothpastes (n = 42), followed by whitening strips (n = 39). Most clinical studies indicate that whitening strips are effective in improving tooth color and providing whitening benefits. In contrast, the bleaching effectiveness of toothpastes, mouth rinses and whitening trays was mainly supported by in vitro studies. The main adverse effects associated with OTC bleaching agents were tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation. CONCLUSION: A wide variety of OTC bleaching products is available for consumer self-administered use. Clinical studies have mainly confirmed the bleaching effectiveness of whitening strips, while the validation for toothpastes, mouth rinses and whitening trays has mainly relied on in vitro studies. Nevertheless, the use of OTC bleaching products may result in adverse effects, including tooth sensitivity, gingival irritation, and enamel surface changes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Some over-the-counter bleaching products may have whitening properties supported by clinical studies, particularly those containing hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. Nonetheless, clinicians must be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive self-administration of these products, which may result in adverse effects.

Nonvital tooth bleaching with halogen light-activated agents: case reports and discussion.

Esthetic dentistry has received increased attention in recent years, as people are more aware of the esthetic appearance of their teeth, including alignment and whiteness. This development, combined with a decrease in the incidence and severity of caries, has directed some clinicians toward conservative and non-invasive treatments such as tooth bleaching. A number of methods for nonvital tooth bleaching are described in the literature; these procedures rely on the bleaching agent used, the agent's concentration, product format, and the source of light activation. This article presents two case reports in which dental bleaching with halogen light-activated agents was used to treat a nonvital discolored incisor. The advantages and disadvantages of the technique are discussed.

Surface roughness and enamel loss with two microabrasion techniques.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the surface roughness and enamel loss produced by two microabrasion techniques. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Bovine teeth were selected and an area was delimited for microabrasion techniques. Surface roughness was determined before and after treatment using a digital profilometer. Specimens were randomized to one of two acid treatments (n = 10): 18% hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pumice or 37% phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and pumice. Acid treatments were applied using a wooden spatula for 5 seconds for a total of ten applications. Then, specimens were sectioned through the center of the demineralization area to obtain 80 microm thick slices. The wear produced by the microabrasion techniques was evaluated using stereomicroscopy (40 x). The greatest depth (microm) and the total surface area (microm(2)) of demineralization were measured using the Image Tool software (University of Texas Health Science, San Antonio, TX, USA). In addition, three specimens of each group were subjected to SEM analysis at different magnifications. RESULTS: The mean surface roughness was statistically lower for HCl than for H3PO4 (p < 0.001). Deeper demineralization (p < 0.003) and a larger total demineralization area was observed for HCl (p < 0.005). Under SEM analysis H3PO4 showed a selective conditioning etching, while HCl exhibited a non-selective pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Microabrasion using H3PO4 produced greater surface roughness but less demineralization than the microabrasion technique using HCl. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both microabrasion techniques effectively remove the superficial enamel layer. However, the technique using H3PO4 was less aggressive, safer, and easier to perform.

At-home bleaching versus whitening toothpastes for treatment of tooth discoloration: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of whitening toothpastes and at-home bleaching for the treatment of tooth discoloration. Methodology A cost-effectiveness economic analysis was conducted, and eight randomized clinical trials were selected based on the whitening agent product used: blue covarine dentifrices (BCD), hydrogen peroxide dentifrices (HPD), dentifrices without bleaching agents (CD, negative control), and 10% carbamide peroxide (CP10, positive control) for at-home bleaching. The consumer/patient perspective was adopted, macro-costing techniques were used and a decision tree model was performed considering the costs in the American and Brazilian markets. The color change evaluation (ΔE*ab) was used to calculate the effectiveness of tooth bleaching. A probabilistic analysis was performed using a Monte Carlo simulation and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were obtained. Results CP10 resulted in the highest cost-effectiveness compared to the use of dentifrices in both markets. In Brazil, HPD was more cost-effective than BCD and CD. In the US, the increased costs of HPD and BCD did not generate any whitening benefit compared to CD. Conclusions CP10 was more cost-effective than BCD and HPD for tooth bleaching from the perspectives of the Brazilian and American markets. Decision-making should consider the use of CP10 for treating tooth discoloration.

Effect of ionizing radiation on the properties of restorative materials.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different doses of the ionizing radiation (0 Gy, 10 Gy, 30 Gy, and 60 Gy) on the physical properties of dental materials. METHODOLOGY: Disc-shaped samples from each material (Ketac Molar Easymix, Vitro Molar, Vitremer, Vitro Fil Lc, Filtek Z 250 and Filtek Z 350) were made for water solubility, sorption analysis (n = 20), microhardness (n = 20), and surface roughness analysis (n = 24). Specimens were divided into four groups, according to radiation dose: control group (0 Gy), 10 Gy, 30 Gy, and 60 Gy. For water solubility and sorption analysis, the specimens were irradiated and were stored for 21 days to calculate the water solubility and sorption values. Microhardness analysis was carried out before and after irradiation doses. For surface roughness analysis, the specimens were submitted to brushing test, and after 24 h, initial surface roughness analysis was made in a rugosimeter. Subsequently, the samples were irradiated and final surface roughness analysis was made. The original water solubility and sorption, surface roughness, and microhardness values were subjected to ANOVA two-way statistical analysis and Paired t-test and Tukey post hoc test (α = 0.05), respectively. RESULTS: Water solubility and sorption values, and surface roughness values presented statistical difference between groups (0, 10, 30 e 60 Gy) for all materials. CONCLUSIONS: High doses of ionizing radiation (30 Gy and 60 Gy) increased the surface roughness, sorption, and solubility for the most materials.

Validation and reliability of visual assessment with a shade guide for tooth-color classification.

This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the visual assessment of tooth color using a commercial shade guide. Ninety-two individuals were randomly selected from subjects enrolled in a randomized controlled trial comparing two formulations of carbamide peroxide. Initially, each individual had the color of his or her six maxillary anterior teeth (n=552) determined by one examiner using a digital spectrophotometer (Vita Easyshade). Then, a visual assessment was made by two calibrated examiners using a shade guide (Vitapan Classical). Reliability was evaluated either by kappa coefficient when all the colors were grouped into two categories (dark and light) or by weighted kappa when all 16 colors of the shade guide were considered. The digital spectrophotometer (Vita Easyshade) was used as the gold standard to calculate sensitivity and specificity of the visual assessment. The reliability of the visual assessment using two color categories was "substantial" (k=0.69). When all colors of the shade guide were considered, the reliability was "mild" (kw=0.33). Sensitivity and specificity of the visual assessment with respect to the gold standard was 86.9% and 81.9%, respectively. Despite its subjectivity, visual assessment of tooth color using the Vitapan Classical shade guide is a valid method, with good reliability for differentiating between dark and light colors.

Efficacy and safety of 10% and 16% carbamide peroxide tooth-whitening gels: a randomized clinical trial.

This double-blind randomized clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of two carbamide peroxide concentrations used in at-home vital bleaching. Ninety-two volunteers with a shade mean of C1 or darker for the six maxillary anterior teeth were randomized into two balanced groups (n=46) according to bleaching agent concentration: 10% (CP10) or 16% (CP16) carbamide peroxide. The patients were instructed to use the whitening agent in a tray for two hours once a day for three weeks. Shade evaluations were done with a value-oriented shade guide and a spectrophotometer at baseline and one week post-bleaching (four-week evaluation). Tooth sensitivity was measured daily using a scale ranging from 0 (no sensitivity) to 4 (severe sensitivity). At the end of the study, the volunteers filled out a questionnaire with seven questions aimed to give their opinion about the adopted treatment regimen. Both carbamide peroxide concentrations resulted in significantly lighter teeth at the four-week evaluation compared to the baseline for all color parameters (p < 0.0001) and shade median (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of shade change difference with either the spectrophotometer (p = 0.1) or the shade guide (p = 0.7). Also, no statistically significant difference was found in relation to deltaL* (p = 0.7), delta a* and deltaE* (p = 0.5). A significant reduction in yellowness (delta b*) was observed for CP16 compared to CP10 (p = 0.05) in crude analysis, which disappeared after controlling for b* parameter at baseline. The group treated with CP16 experienced more tooth sensitivity during the first (p = 0.02) and third (p = 0.01) weeks of treatment compared to the CP10 group. However, no major difference was observed (p = 0.09) when the degree of tooth sensitivity between groups was compared. Both 10% and 16% carbamide peroxide concentrations were equally effective and safe for a three-week at-home tooth-bleaching treatment.

Dental Fluorosis Treatment Can Improve the Individuals' OHRQoL? Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of two treatment protocols for dental fluorosis in individuals enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. Seventy volunteers, who lived in a fluorosis endemic area in Brazil, and had at least four maxillary anterior teeth showing fluorosis with a Thylstrup and Fejerskov index from 1 to 7, were randomized into two treatment groups (n= 35): GI- enamel microabrasion; or GII- microabrasion associated with at-home bleaching. Microabrasion was performed using 37% phosphoric acid and pumice, and at-home tooth bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide in a tray. Volunteers completed a questionnaire at baseline and 1-month post treatment to assess changes in OHRQoL, using the Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP). Differences in overall impact scores between and within treatment groups were analyzed with Wilcoxon (within) and Mann-Whitney (between) tests. Changes in performance scores were analyzed using Wilcoxon tests (a< 0.05). One month after treatment, subjects reported improvement in OHRQoL. Both groups showed lower OIDP scores (p< 0.001), but there was no difference between them. Eating, cleaning teeth, smiling and emotional state performance scores were lower after treatment for the whole sample. In conclusion, the treatment with microabrasion improved the OHRQoL in this sample of individuals living in a fluorosis endemic area regardless of the addition of at-home bleaching.

Microleakage of seven adhesive systems in enamel and dentin.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microleakage of seven adhesive systems on two substrates (enamel and dentin). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Class V cavities were performed in buccal and lingual surfaces of 56 bovine incisors. The cervical margin was located in dentin and the incisal margin in enamel. The specimens were randomly divided into seven groups (n=16), according to the adhesive system employed: Single Bond; Excite; One Step Plus; Gluma One Bond; Magic Bond; One Up Bond F; and One Coat Bond. The cavities were incrementally filled with a hybrid composite Filtek Z250 and polymerized with a XL 3000 light curing unit. After polishing, the specimens were submitted to thermal cycling followed by dye immersion. Leakage was evaluated under magnification (40X) based on a standard ranking. Data were subjected to statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis). RESULTS: Enamel margins exhibited lower leakage than dentin margins (p<0.01). The majority of the specimens were leakage-free and materials performed similarly. Conversely, in dentin most of the specimens exhibited the highest leakage degree and significant differences among materials (p<0.05) were found, with Excite exhibiting the lowest leakage degree. It was concluded enamel provided better sealing and the adhesive system was a significant factor only in dentin.

Bond strength of universal adhesive applied to dry and wet dentin: one-year in vitro evaluation

Aim: This study evaluated the influence of dentin wettability on the immediate and extended microtensile bond strength (mTBS) of a universal adhesive system used in the etch-and-rinse strategy. Methods: Twenty human third molars were selected and divided into four groups according to the adhesive system and dentin wettability. The mTBS values of each group were registered 24 h and one year after adhesive system application and resin composite block build-up (n=30). Data were analyzed by the t-test (p<0.05). Results: When both adhesive systems were compared, there was no statistically significant difference when they were applied following wet bonding (p>0.05). However, the dry bonding reduced µTBS values of the Adper Single Bond 2 adhesive (p<0.05). Regarding storage time, both groups presented similar µTBS values at 24 h and one year (p>0.05). Conclusions: Therefore, the Scotchbond Universal Adhesive can be applied to dry or wet dentin without compromising the etch-and-rinse bonding quality and the durability of the restorations

Influence of three treatment protocols for dental fluorosis in the enamel surface: an in vitro

Introduction: Dental fluorosis is an enamel alteration characterized with opaque stains caused by high exposures to fluoride during the dentition development. Aim : This in vitro study aimed to evaluate changes in the enamel surface of sound human teeth after three treatment protocols for dental fluorosis: microabrasion with 37% phosphoric acid and pumice, home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide, and a combination of these techniques. Methods : Thirty-eight specimens (5×5×2 mm) with enamel surface were obtained from 19 third molars. Thirty six specimens were randomized into three treatment groups (n= 12): MAB- enamel microabrasion; CP10- home bleaching; MAB+CP10- a combination of these techniques and two specimens not received treatment. Surface roughness and microhardness analyses were performed before and after treatment protocols. Two representative specimens from each group were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Analysis of variance and Tukey's tests were used for data analysis (p< 0.05). Results : All treatment protocols promoted an increased in enamel surface roughness (p< 0.02). MAB and MAB+CP10 showed a significant increase in the enamel microhardness (p< 0.04), while CP10 showed a microhardness lower than MAB and MAB+CP10 (p< 0.05). SEM images demonstrated a smoother surface from MAB and MAB+CP10 and, an irregular pattern of enamel erosion from CP10. Conclusions : The treatment protocols for dental fluorosis tested significantly changed the enamel roughness, microhardness and micromorphology.

Introdução: A fluorose dentária é uma alteração do esmalte caracterizada por manchas opacas causadas pela alta exposição aos íons fluoreto durante o desenvolvimento dentário. Objetivo : Este estudo in vitro objetivou avaliar mudanças na superfície do esmalte em dentes humanos hígidos após três protocolos de tratamento para a fluorose dentária: microabrasão com ácido fosfórico a 37% e pedra-pomes, clareamento caseiro com peróxido de carbamida a 10% e a associação destas técnicas. Métodos : Trinta e oito espécimes (5×5×2 mm) com superfície em esmalte foram obtidos a partir de 19 terceiros molares, sendo que dois não receberam tratamento e, trinta e seis foram randomizados em três grupos (n= 12): MAB- microabrasão do esmalte; CP10- clareamento caseiro; e MAB+CP10- associação destas técnicas. A rugosidade superficial e microdureza foram realizadas antes e após os protocolos de tratamento. Dois espécimes representativos de cada grupo foram avaliados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). A análise de variância e teste de Tukey foram utilizados para análise dos resultados (p< 0,05). Resultados : Todos os protocolos de tratamento promoveram um aumento da rugosidade superficial do esmalte (p< 0,02). MAB e MAB+CP10 mostraram um aumento significativo da microdureza do esmalte (p< 0,04), enquanto que CP10 mostrou uma menor microdureza comparado ao MAB e ao MAB+CP10 (p< 0,05). As imagens de MEV demonstraram uma superfície mais lisa do MAB e MAB+CP10 e um padrão irregular do esmalte erodido para o CP10. Conclusão : Os protocolos testados para tratamento da fluorose dentária testados modificaram significativamente a rugosidade, microdureza e micromorfologia do esmalte.

Changes in oral health related quality of life after dental bleaching in a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in individuals enroled in a double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two carbamide peroxide concentrations used in at-home vital bleaching in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. METHODS: Ninety-two volunteers with a shade mean of C1 or darker for the six maxillary anterior teeth were randomized into two balanced groups (n=46) according to bleaching agent concentration: 10% or 16% carbamide peroxide. The patients were instructed to use the whitening agent in a tray for 2h once a day for three weeks. To assess changes in OHRQoL, participants completed the oral impact on daily performance (OIDP) at the start and one week after the completion of treatment. Because there was no difference with regard to whitening effect or tooth sensitivity during or after treatment the two groups were merged for the analyses of the current article. Before-and-after changes in OIDP scores were assessed by chi-square and McNemar tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: Mean pre- and post-treatment OIDP scores varied from 0.42 to 0.60. When the frequency of impacts for different activities were compared, there was an increase in difficulty in cleaning teeth (p=0.02) and a significant reduction in smiling and showing teeth with embarrassment (p=0.03). Regarding the symptoms and main oral conditions that generated impact, there was higher number of participants reporting pain (p=0.05) after treatment. In opposite, significant decrease was observed in individuals reporting being unhappy with their appearance (p=0.03). On the contrary, it was showed a decrease in impacts resulting from dental colour was observed after bleaching (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Quality of life is complex and encompasses different domains. Although positive impact of the dental bleaching was detected, with patients showing more their teeth without embarrassment, difficult in dental hygiene and pain resulting from the treatment were also reported, and this can negatively impact daily performances. Dentists must consider these aspects when performing aesthetics procedures.

The effect of drinks on color stability and surface roughness of nanocomposites.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the color and surface roughness of nanoparticle (C1) and nanohybrid (C2) composites after immersion in distilled water, acai juice, grape juice and red wine and repolishing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After recording the initial surface roughness and color, the specimens were divided into four groups according to the storage solution. The specimens were reassessed after immersion for 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks and after repolishing. RESULTS: The results showed that after 2 weeks, there were statistically significant changes in color of both resins in all groups, with the exception of the specimens stored in distilled water (P > 0.05). Only 12 weeks of immersion in red wine changed the roughness of composite C1 (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Red wine produced the greatest color change in nanocomposites, followed by grape juice. Acai juice made the color unacceptable clinically only after 12 weeks. Repolishing reduced the color change in all groups.