RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of experimental protocols on bleaching effectiveness and hydrogen peroxide (HP) diffusion through enamel and dentine. METHODS: Enamel/dentine discs were subjected to six bleaching sessions, consisting of 1 or 3 applications of 17.5% or 35%-HP gel for 5/15min, or 37% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel for 10/20min. Discs undergoing the regular protocol (35%-HP; 3×15min) constituted the positive control group. Colour change (ΔE) was assessed (CIE L*a*b* system) after each session. HP diffusion was quantified (sessions 1, 3, and 6) in enamel/dentine discs adapted to artificial pulp chambers. Data were analysed by Pillai's Trace and Bonferroni test, or by one-way ANOVA and SNK/Tamhane's test (α=5%). RESULTS: All tooth-bleaching protocols significantly increased the ΔE values. A reduction in HP diffusion and no significant difference in ΔE compared with the positive control were observed for the following bleaching protocols: 17.5%-HP 3×15min, at the 4th session; and 35%-HP 1×15 and 3×5min, at the 5th session. HP diffusion in the 37%-CP 3×20min bleaching protocol was statistically similar to that in the positive control. The other experimental bleaching protocols significantly decreased HP diffusion through enamel/dentine discs, but the ΔE values were statistically lower than those observed in the positive control, in all sessions. CONCLUSION: Shortening the contact time of a 35%-HP gel or reducing its concentration produces gradual tooth colour change and reduced HP diffusion through enamel and dentine. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A reduction in HP concentration, from 35% to 17.5%, in a bleaching gel or shortening its application time on enamel provides a significant tooth-bleaching improvement associated with decreased HP diffusion across hard dental tissues. Therefore, these protocols may be an interesting alternative to be tested in the clinical situation.
