Background. Vital tooth bleaching for esthetic reasons has significantly gained in popularity during the last few years. However, few studies have investigated the efficacy of daytime or 1-hour bleaching products with use of a bleaching light as a catalyst.. For the purposes of the test, the Light was not part of the evaluation, only utilized as the standard by which the procedure is performed throughout various offices. The purpose of this double-blind in vivo study was to evaluate the efficacy of 44 percent carbamide peroxide, or CP, and 16 percent hydrogen peroxide, or HP, during daytime use, and less than 1-hour utilizing a standard LED light operating in the broad spectrum of 470-510 Nanometers. The degree of color change, any color relapse, and tooth or gingival sensitivity were evaluated. Results.Materials and Methods:
– six maxillary anterior teeth present and free of any restorative material covering more than one-sixth of their labial surfaces;
– six anterior teeth darker than B-54 and lighter than B-85 on the Trubyte Bioform Color Ordered Shade Guide (Dentsply Trubyte);
– at least 18 years of age, willing to sign a consent form, able to return for periodic examinations, and willing to refrain from use of tobacco products during the study period.
Potential subjects were excluded on the basis of
– pregnant or lactating women.
– a medical condition that might interfere with the study results or require special attention;
– a gingival index score greater than 1.0 or gross pathology in the mouth;
– tetracycline-stained teeth or having undergone endodontic therapy in any of the maxillary anterior teeth;
– use of professionally applied tooth whiteners within the past five years;
– use of any kind of tobacco products during the past 30 days;
Twenty-four patients volunteered to participate in this double-blind study, for which they received $100. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. Patients received a dental screening and prophylaxis by a licensed hygienist or dentist at least two weeks before the study. All 24 subjects met the following criteria: Use of the 16 percent HP resulted in significantly more lightness than the 44 percent HP after the 1-hour treatment. Patients teeth with the placement of the 16 percent HP improved
p < 0.0001 or a mean of 5 shades B* whereas there was little or no difference in the color using the 44 percent HP. After 2-hours of use utilizing the 44 percent CP, there was a color mean of 1 shade B*, and produced sensitivity in 25% of the patients.
