The Influence of Different Bleaching Protocols on Dentinal Enzymatic Activity: An In Vitro Study.

This study aimed to investigate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in human dentin using in-situ and gelatin zymography, after at-home and in-office bleaching, related to their clinical exposure times. Dentin specimens (n = 5) were treated with 35% hydrogen peroxide (50 min per session/4 sessions), 10% carbamide peroxide (180 min/21 sessions), or no treatment. All were subjected to in-situ zymography. Dentin slices were, subsequently, obtained, covered with fluorescein-conjugated gelatin, and examined with confocal laser-scanning microscopy. The fluorescence intensity was quantified and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05). Furthermore, gelatin zymography was performed on protein extracts obtained from dentin powder (N = 8 teeth), treated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, with different exposure times (10/50 min for hydrogen peroxide; 252/1260 min for carbamide peroxide). The results of the in-situ zymography showed no statistical differences between the bleached specimens and the control group, with a medium level of gelatinolytic activity expressed in the dentin tubules. The results of gelatin zymography showed an increased expression of pro-MMP-9 in carbamide peroxide groups. The expression of pro-MMP-2 decreased in all the experimental groups. The bleaching treatments performed on the enamel of sound teeth do not influence dentinal enzymatic activity. However, when unprotected dentin tissue is bleached, matrix metalloproteinases are more expressed, particularly when carbamide peroxide is used, proportional to the exposure time.

Blinded, parallel and randomized clinical evaluation of in-office dental bleaching with violet LED (405-410nm).

This clinical study evaluated the effect of bleaching performed with violet LED light (405-410 nm), either combined with hydrogen peroxide (HP) gel, or not, on color change, dental sensitivity, participants' satisfaction and impact on their quality of life. A hundred participants were divided into one of the groups (n = 25): G1 - 35% HP (4 sessions, 1x/week); G2 - violet LED (4 sessions, 1x/week); G3 - violet LED (4 sessions, 2x/week); G4 - hybrid technique (violet LED + 35% HP; 4 sessions, 1x/week). Color evaluation was performed with colorimetric tests (objective and subjective), before, 14 days and 3 months after completion. Additionally, satisfaction with treatment, impact on quality of life (OHIP-14) and dental sensitivity were recorded. The data were submitted to statistical analysis, considering a significance level of 5%, with the exception of the data from the questionnaire on satisfaction (descriptive analysis). Two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests showed that there was no difference between color variation resulting from techniques used in G1 and G4; those used in G2 and G3 did not differ and were less effective for bleaching than those of the other groups, in both subjective and objective evaluations. Regarding tooth sensitivity, subjects in G2 and G3 experienced no sensitivity, ​​while those in G4 showed lower sensitivity values than those in G1. With respect to quality of life, only subjects in G1 and G2 showed a significant positive impact. Among the evaluated techniques, the hybrid type seemed to be a good alternative, showing effective bleaching with less tooth sensitivity.