Side-Effects Versus Patientxs Satisfaction in Different Bleaching Techniques

Objective: Evaluate subjectively the efficacy and side-effects of different agents used for at-home and in-office bleaching techniques considering the treatment time to achieve patientxs satisfaction. Methods: After IRB approval, 30 subjects were selected based on the shade of the anterior teeth (between A2 and A3.5, Vita Classic shade guide). In-office [35% hydrogen peroxide, HPMAXX, FGM and a calcium-containing hydrogen peroxide, HPBLUE, FGM); and at-home bleaching agents [10% and 22% carbamide peroxide, Whiteness Perfect, FGM) were assigned in a split-mouth design performed in maxillary and mandibular arches of the same patient. In-office bleaching was performed in the maxillary quadrants applying PH35% (right) and PH35%Ca (left) for 40 minutes/week. Home bleaching was performed in mandibular quadrants using PC10% (right) and PC22% (left) 2h/day. Bleaching treatments were performed until patient's satisfaction [maximum 6 sessions (S) or 6 weeks (W), for in-office and at-home techniques, respectively]. Color measurements were carried out with a shade guide (Vita Classic) before treatment, and at 2, 4, and last week for at-home bleaching; and one week after the 2nd, 4th and final sessions for in-office bleaching. Student's T and Tukey-Kramer tests were used (p<0.05). Tooth sensitivity was evaluated using the VAS scale for 45 days, and gingival irritation was assessed using a form. Results: No significant differences were found for color change between PC10% and PC22% for at-home bleaching for all evaluation periods, and highest tooth sensitivity rates were related to PC22%. For in-office bleaching, PC35% and PC35%Ca presented similar color change results for all evaluation periods and lowest tooth sensitivity rates were related to PC35%Ca. Conclusion: Whitening agents used in higher concentrations resulted in higher tooth sensitivity but, when used properly, did not irritate gingival tissues. Calcium-containing in-office bleaching agent decreased tooth sensitivity rates without changing its efficacy.