Tooth whitening: what we now know.

UNLABELLED: Current research about tooth whitening shows that it is safe and effective when manufacturer's protocol is followed, yet there are risks of which the profession and users should be aware. This update provides a summary of current research and assessment of the safety and efficacy of tooth whitening regimens. BACKGROUND: Tooth whitening has become one of the most frequently requested dental procedures by the public. The public has come to demand whiter, more perfect smiles and in response many choices for tooth whitening have been made available. These include home-based products such as toothpastes, gels, and films, as well as in-office based systems where products containing highly concentrated bleaching agents are applied under professional supervision. The profession and public have been aware of certain risks related to tooth whitening such as increased tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation. New research has shown that there are other risks such as tooth surface roughening and softening, increased potential for demineralization, degradation of dental restorations, and unacceptable color change of dental restorations. The new research is also focused on optimizing whitening procedures to reduce tooth sensitivity and to increase the persistence of the whitening. METHODS: Current reports in the literature are reviewed that are related to the use of peroxide based whitening methods. These reports include in vitro studies for method optimization and mechanism as well as clinical studies on effects of various whitening regimens. CONCLUSIONS: When manufacturer's instructions are followed, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide based tooth whitening is safe and effective. Patients should be informed of the risks associated with tooth whitening and instructed on identification of adverse occurrences so that they may seek professional help as needed.

Actualización en técnicas de blanqueamiento de baja agresividad sobre dientes vitales: una necesidad ética y legal (segunda parte) / Update in whitening techniques lessaggressive on vital teeth: an ethical and legal necessity (second part)

En esta segunda parte se complementan las pautas y recomendaciones de utilización delas técnicas de blanqueamiento seleccionadas como menos agresivas. También se revisan las técnicas de control de resultados clínicos (medición del color) que pueden ser más aplicables en la clínica odontológica. En ella se presentan cuatro casos clínicos tratados con los principios de actuación defendidos como menos nocivos y unas conclusiones a modo de resumen, tanto dela primera como de la segunda parte (AU)

In this second part, the guidelines and recommendations for use of whitening techniques selected as less aggressive are complemented. The control techniques of clinical results (colour measurement) thatcan be more applicable in the dental clinic are also reviewed. Four clinical cases which are treated with the operational principles defended as less harmful and some conclusions in summarized form, from the first as well as the second part, are presented (AU)

Labeled vs actual concentration of bleaching agents.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the actual concentration of bleaching agents available in four different countries were the same as the label indicated and within the recommendations of the International Standard on Tooth Whitening. The method recommended for assaying peroxide by the United States Pharmacopeia was used to determine concentrations. All products in the United States and China were within the standard when products were tested immediately upon delivery at testing sites. One product in Saudi Arabia and three products in Brazil had greater than 30% concentration loss. Three of 24 products in the United States did not meet the International Standard when they were tested at month of expiration.