RESUMO
PURPOSE: To compare the bleaching efficacy of in-office (Opalescence), professional home (LumiBrite), over the counter (WhiteLight) and natural (strawberry extract) bleaching agents. METHODS: 80 teeth were selected and divided into two groups which were stained with black coffee and red wine respectively. The stained specimens were subdivided into four subgroups to be bleached with Opalescence, LumiBrite, WhiteLight and strawberry extract. Color measurements were made using spectrophotometer at baseline level, after staining, after bleaching and 1 week after bleaching. The ΔE00 was calculated post bleaching (ΔE001), after 1-week follow up (ΔE002) and color changes between 1-week follow up and baseline (ΔE003). Data were analyzed by paired t-test and ANOVA with a significant difference of P< 0.05. RESULTS: Paired t-test showed significant differences in ΔE001 and ΔE002 for both stained specimens (P< 0.001). For black coffee stained specimens, Whitelight had significantly higher ΔE002 compared to the other bleaching agents (P< 0.05). For red wine stain, Whitelight also showed the significantly lowest ΔE001 (P< 0.001) and the highest ΔE002 (P< 0.001) compared to other groups. LumiBrite showed the significantly lowest ΔE003 for red wine stained specimens (P< 0.05). Whitelight had the poorest bleaching efficacy with deterioration effect after 1-week follow up. Opalescence, LumiBrite and strawberry extract had clinically perceptible and comparable bleaching efficacy. Strawberry extract appeared to be a potential natural bleaching agent with a desirable effect. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Commercial tooth bleaching agents can cause several undesirable side effects such as damage to enamel, hypersensitivity and even affecting the pulp. Strawberry extract is a natural, effective bleaching agent that may have reduced side effects.
