Clinical Evaluation of Effectiveness for Different Techniques of Dental Bleaching

Objectives: This study evaluated the color change and stability, and tooth sensitivity in patients submitted to different bleaching techniques. Methods: 45 patients were selected according to inclusion/exclusion criteria and divided in five groups (n=15). A half-mouth design was conducted to compare two in-office bleaching techniques (with and without light activation) with the same product as well as the effect of acid etching before treatment. G1: 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) (Lase Peroxide, DMC Equipments) + hybrid light (HL) (LED + Diode Laser) Whitening Lase II (DMC equipments); G2: 35%HP; G3: 38%HP, X-traBoost (Ultradent) + hybrid light; G4: 38%HP and G5: 20% carbamide peroxide (PC), Opalescence PF (Ultradent). For G1 and G2, PH was applied on the enamel surface for 3 consecutive times and activated by HL during 6'; G2 and G4, PH was applied on the enamel surface for 3 consecutive times during 15' and interval of 15'; G5, 20% PC for 120' daily during 10 days at home. The spectrophotometer VITA Easyshade was used to measure the color change, before the treatment and after 24h, 1 week, 1, 6 and 12 months. Color differences (ΔE) were assessed by means of the CIELab System. VAS questioner was used for sensitivity tooth before the treatment and right immediately, 24h and 1 week after. Results: Statistical analysis did not reveal any significant difference between in-office bleaching with or without HL activation related to effectiveness, nevertheless the time required was 50% less with HL. Statistical difference was observed between the results after 24h, 1 week and 1, 6 and 12 months, for all groups. Immediately, in-office bleaching increased the tooth sensitivity when compared to PC. HP 35% with HL and acid etching showed a significant increase in color change. Conclusion: All techniques and bleaching agents used were effective for dental bleaching. (FAPESP 2006/02540-9)