IADR Abstract Archives

Placebo-controlled clinical trial of a 6.0% H2O2 tooth whitener

At-home tooth bleaching, which was formally introduced in 1989 by Haywood and Heymann, traditionally involves fabrication and use of a custom-fitted soft plastic tray for delivery of a carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide gel.  Numerous laboratory and clinical studies indicate that at-home whitening is a safe and effective procedure.  Recently, a new delivery system was developed; it contains a measured dose of 6.0% hydrogen peroxide on a polyethylene strip.  Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the new system (Crest Whitestrips, CWS) versus a placebo control.  Methods: Forty adult patients with teeth darker than A3 on a value-oriented Vita shade guide were enrolled in the study, and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups.  All subjects applied the assigned agent to the maxillary anterior teeth for 30 minutes twice a day over a six-week period (or until the tooth shade was B1, the lightest Vita shade).  Efficacy was measured by digital imaging at 2, 4, and 6 weeks.  Safety was evaluated using an oral soft tissue examination at the same intervals.  Data were subjected to analysis of covariance.  Results: Use of CWS resulted in a mean Db* (decrease in yellow) of 3.25 units, compared with a change of 0.38 units for the placebo.  The corresponding values for DL* (increased lightness) were 2.73 and 0.21 units, respectively.  Differences were statistically significant (p<0.0001).  The most common adverse events were tooth hypersensitivity and gingival irritation.  Although both occurred mainly in the experimental group, the events were generally mild and transient.  Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that Crest Whitestrips provide statistically significant tooth whitening compared with a placebo as measured by digital imaging.  Supported by Procter & Gamble.
Division: IADR/AADR/CADR General Session
Meeting: 2002 IADR/AADR/CADR General Session (San Diego, California)
Location: San Diego, California
Year: 2002
Final Presentation ID: 1955
Abstract Category|Abstract Category(s): Dental Materials: IV - Clinical Trials
Authors
  • Swift, Edward  ( University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA )
  • Heymann, Harald  ( , , , )
  • Wilder, Aldridge  ( , , , )
  • St-georges, Annie  ( , , , )
  • Nunes, Mauro  ( , , , )
  • SESSION INFORMATION
    Poster Session
    Clinical Evaluations of Tooth Bleaching and Sensitivity
    03/08/2002