Over-the-counter products in tooth bleaching: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To map and summarize the current scientific evidence concerning the active ingredients, effectiveness, and adverse effects of over-the-counter (OTC) bleaching products. DATA AND SOURCE: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews and registered on the Open Science Framework platform. STUDY SELECTION: Database searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus up to January 2024. All in vitro, in situ, and clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness and adverse effects of OTC bleaching products were included. A descriptive analysis of the included studies was performed. RESULTS: A total of 88 studies were included. Most of them were in vitro studies (n = 49), followed by randomized clinical trials (n = 28). The main OTC bleaching products identified were whitening or stain-removing toothpastes (n = 42), followed by whitening strips (n = 39). Most clinical studies indicate that whitening strips are effective in improving tooth color and providing whitening benefits. In contrast, the bleaching effectiveness of toothpastes, mouth rinses and whitening trays was mainly supported by in vitro studies. The main adverse effects associated with OTC bleaching agents were tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation. CONCLUSION: A wide variety of OTC bleaching products is available for consumer self-administered use. Clinical studies have mainly confirmed the bleaching effectiveness of whitening strips, while the validation for toothpastes, mouth rinses and whitening trays has mainly relied on in vitro studies. Nevertheless, the use of OTC bleaching products may result in adverse effects, including tooth sensitivity, gingival irritation, and enamel surface changes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Some over-the-counter bleaching products may have whitening properties supported by clinical studies, particularly those containing hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. Nonetheless, clinicians must be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive self-administration of these products, which may result in adverse effects.

In-office dental bleaching in adolescents using 6% hydrogen peroxide with and without gingival barrier: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: At low concentrations used for in-office bleaching gels, such as 6% HP, gingival barrier continues to be performed. If we take into account that, in the at-home bleaching technique, no barrier is indicated, it seems that the use of a gingival barrier fails to make much sense when bleaching gel in low concentration is used for in-office bleaching. OBJECTIVE: This double-blind, split-mouth, randomized clinical trial evaluated the gingival irritation (GI) of in-office bleaching using 6% hydrogen peroxide (HP) with and without a gingival barrier in adolescents, as well as color change and the impact of oral condition on quality of life. METHODOLOGY: Overall, 60 participants were randomized into which side would or would not receive the gingival barrier. In-office bleaching was performed for 50 minutes with 6% HP in three sessions. The absolute risk and intensity of GI were assessed with a visual analogue scale. Color change was assessed using a digital spectrophotometer and color guides. The impact of oral condition on quality of life was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (α=0.05). RESULTS: The proportion of patients who presented GI for the "with barrier" group was 31.6% and for the "without barrier" group, 30% (p=1.0). There is an equivalence for the evaluated groups regarding GI intensity (p<0.01). Color change was detected with no statistical differences (p>0.29). There was a significant impact of oral condition on quality of life after bleaching (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use or not of the gingival barrier for in-office bleaching with 6% HP was equivalent for GI, as well as for bleaching efficacy, with improvement in the impact of oral condition on quality of life.

Assessment of color changes and adverse effects of over-the-counter bleaching protocols: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess color change efficacy and the adverse effects of varied over-the-counter (OTC) bleaching protocols. METHODOLOGY: The study included randomized clinical trials evaluating color changes from OTC bleaching agents. Nine databases were searched, including the partial capture of the grey literature. The RoB2 tool analyzed the individual risk of bias in the studies. Frequentist network meta-analyses compared treatments through common comparators (∆Eab* and ∆SGU color changes, and tooth sensitivity), integrating direct and indirect estimates and using the mean and risk differences as effect measures with respective 95% confidence intervals. The GRADE approach assessed the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Overall, 37 remaining studies constituted the qualitative analysis, and ten composed the meta-analyses. The total sample included 1,932 individuals. ∆Eab* was significantly higher in groups 6% hydrogen peroxide (HP) strips (≥ 14 h). ∆SGU was significantly higher in groups at-home 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) (≥ 14 h), followed by 6% HP strips (≥ 14 h) and 3% HP strips (≥ 14 h). At-home 10% CP (7-13 h) and placebo showed lower risks of tooth sensitivity without significant differences between these treatments. CONCLUSION: Considering the low level of evidence, OTC products presented satisfactory short-term effects on tooth bleaching compared to the placebo, with little to no impact on dentin hypersensitivity and gingival irritation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: OTC products are proving to be practical alternatives for tooth whitening. However, patients should be advised about the possible risks of carrying out such procedures without professional supervision.

Effect of topical application of ibuprofen/arginine on the in-office bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity: A randomized, triple-blind controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The application of anti-inflammatories as topical desensitizers before dental bleaching is an approach to reduce bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity (TS). This randomized controlled trial compared the risk and intensity of TS and the color change resulting from in-office dental bleaching after using an experimental desensitizing gel containing ibuprofen and arginine. METHODS: Sixty-two participants with upper canine shades A2 or darker were randomly assigned to either the ibuprofen-arginine desensitizing group or the placebo group. The desensitizing gel was applied for 15 min before in-office bleaching with 35 % hydrogen peroxide gel for 50 min (2 sessions). To assess the absolute risk and intensity of TS, visual (0-10) and numeric rating (0-5) scales were used, and group comparisons were made using the McNemar test, Wilcoxon test, and paired Student t-test (α = 0.05). Color change was evaluated using Vita Classical, Vita Bleachedguide (ΔSGU), and Vita EasyShade (ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔWID) before and one month after the bleaching procedure. Group comparisons for color change were done using a paired t-test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The odds ratio for TS was 0.14 [95 % CI 0.02 to 0.6], meaning lower odds of TS for the desensitizing gel. A lower intensity of TS was also observed for the experimental group (p < 0.005) up to 48 h after bleaching. All color evaluation tools demonstrated effective and similar whitening for both groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using the experimental desensitizing gel containing ibuprofen and arginine effectively reduced the risk and intensity of TS without compromising the bleaching efficacy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The topical application of ibuprofen/arginine on the in-office bleaching reduced risk and intensity of bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity.

Effect of gingival barrier brands on operator perception, cervical adaptation, and patient comfort during in-office tooth bleaching: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Light-cured resins are widely used as gingival barriers to protect the gums from highly concentrated peroxides used in tooth bleaching. The impact of barrier brand on clinical outcomes is typically considered negligible. However, there is limited evidence on the effects of different brands on operator experience, barrier adaptation, and patient comfort. OBJECTIVE: This clinical trial assessed the impact of four commercial gingival barrier brands (Opaldam, Topdam, Lysadam, and Maxdam) on operator perception, adaptation quality, and patient comfort. METHODS: Twenty-one undergraduate students placed gingival barriers in a randomized sequence using blinded syringes. Photographs of the barriers were taken from frontal and incisal perspectives. After bleaching procedures, operators rated handling features and safety using Likert scale forms. Two experienced evaluators independently assessed barrier adaptation quality on a scale from 1 (perfect) to 5 (unacceptable). The absolute risk of barrier-induced discomfort was recorded. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Chi-square tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Opaldam and Topdam received the highest scores in most handling features, except for removal, which was similar among all brands. No significant difference was observed in barrier adaptation quality between the evaluated brands. Discomforts were mainly reported in the upper dental arch, with Maxdam having the highest absolute risk (35% for this arch and 24% overall). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that gingival barrier brands can influence operator perception and patient comfort. Opaldam and Topdam were preferred by operators, but all brands demonstrated comparable adaptation quality. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was nested in a randomized clinical trial registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry under identification number RBR-9gtr9sc.

Efeito do pH do gel clareador de consultório na cor e na sensibilidade dentária / Effect of the pHof the in-office tooth bleaching gelon color and tooth sensitivity / Efecto del pH del gel blanqueador dental de consultorio sobre el color y la sensibilidad dental

Introdução:Sabe-se que a busca pela estética é algo cada vez mais crescente. Dentre os procedimentos mais procurados na odontologia estética, destaca-se o clareamento dental de consultório. Diante disso, ainda são poucos os estudos que avaliam os efeitos dos agentes clareadores de diferentes pHs na efetividade clareadora e na sensibilidade dentária.Objetivo:Avaliar a sensibilidade dentária e a eficácia clareadora de géis clareadores à base de peróxido de hidrogênio a 35% com diferentes pHs.Metodologia:Trata-se de um relato de três casos, descritivo e observacional, do tipo boca dividida (split-mouth) para cada estratégia clareadora (gel clareador com pH básico e gel clareador com pH ácido). Foram avaliados três pacientes de25, 26e 27anos de idade.Realizou-se registro de cor por meio da escala VITAClassical e avaliação da sensibilidade dentária pela escala visual analógica. Resultados:Todos os pacientes avaliados apresentaram cor A3 no registro de cor inicial e, após o clareamento dental,atingiram a cor A1. Todos relataram uma maior sensibilidade no hemiarco direito (local onde foi aplicada o gel clareador Whiteness HP que possui pH ácido. Dois pacientes relataram sensibilidade dentária no hemiarco esquerdo em que foi aplicado o gel clareador de pH básico. Conclusões:Observa-se a eficácia clínica dos géis clareadores de consultório à base de peróxido de hidrogênio a 35% na estabilidade de cor após o tratamento clareador, independente do seu pH. Ademais, nota-se que o gel clareador de pH básico promoveu menor sensibilidade pós-operatória (AU).

Introduction:It is known that the search for aesthetics is something increasingly growing. Among the most sought-after procedures in cosmetic dentistry, in-office tooth bleaching stands out. Therefore, there are still few studies that evaluate the effects of bleaching agents ofdifferent pHs on bleaching effectiveness and tooth sensitivity.Objective:To evaluate tooth sensitivity and bleaching efficacy of 35% hydrogen peroxide-based tooth bleaching gels with different pHs.Methodology:This is a report of three cases, descriptive and observational, of the split-mouth type for each bleaching strategy (bleaching gel with basic pH and bleaching gel with acidic pH). Three patients aged 25, 26 and 27 years were evaluated. Color registration was performed using the VITA Classical scale and tooth sensitivity was evaluated using the visual analogue scale.Results:All evaluated patients presented color A3 in the initial color registration and, after tooth bleaching, reached color A1. All reported greater sensitivity in the right hemi-arch (place where the Whiteness HP bleaching gel with an acid pH was applied. Two patients reported tooth sensitivity in the left hemi-arch where the basic pH bleaching gel was applied.Conclusions:The clinical efficacy of in-office tooth bleaching gels based on 35% hydrogen peroxide in terms of color stability after bleaching treatment is observed, regardless of its pH. In addition, it is noted that the basic pH bleaching gel promoted less postoperative sensitivity (AU).

Introducción: Se sabe que la búsqueda de la estética es algo cada vez más creciente. Entre los procedimientos más populares en odontología estética, se destaca el blanqueamiento dental en consultorio. Ante esto, aún existen pocos estudios que evalúen los efectos de agentes blanqueadores de diferentes pHs sobre la efectividad del blanqueamiento y la sensibilidad dental.Objetivo: Evaluar la sensibilidad dental y la eficacia blanqueadora de geles blanqueadores a base de peróxido de hidrógeno al 35 % con diferentes pH. Metodología: Este es un reporte de tres casos, descriptivo y observacional, del tipo boca partida para cada estrategia de blanqueamiento (gel blanqueador con pH básico y gel blanqueador con pH ácido). Se evaluaron tres pacientes de 25, 26 y 27 años. El registro de color se realizó con la escala clásica VITA y la sensibilidad dental se evaluó con la escala analógica visual.Resultados: Todos los pacientes evaluados presentaron color A3 en el registro de color inicial y, después del blanqueamiento dental, alcanzaron el color A1. Todos refirieron mayor sensibilidad en la hemiarcada derecha (lugar donde se aplicó el gel blanqueador de pH ácido Whiteness HP). Dos pacientes refirieron sensibilidad dental en la hemiarcadaizquierda donde se aplicó el gel blanqueador de pH básico.Conclusiones: Se observala eficacia clínica de los geles blanqueadores de consultorio a base de peróxido de hidrógeno al 35% en cuanto a la estabilidad del color tras el tratamiento blanqueador, independientemente de su pH. Además, se observa que el gel blanqueador de pH básico promovió una menor sensibilidad postoperatoria (AU).

Bleaching gel volume influences hydrogen peroxide diffusion, inflammation, and the presence of nitric oxide in the pulp tissue: in vitro and in vivo model.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether bleaching gel volume influences chromatic changes, hydrogen peroxide (HP) diffusion, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the pulp tissue. METHODOLOGY: A total of 60 bovine teeth were divided into four groups, according to bleaching gel volume (n=15): without gel (WG); V30 (30 µL of 35% HP); V60 (60 µL); and V120 (120 µL). HP diffusion analysis was performed in the first session (T1). Chromatic changes (ΔE, ΔE00, and WID) were assessed after the first (T1), second (T2), third (T3) sessions, and 15 d (T4) after the end of treatment. Moreover, 20 rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10) and their upper first molars were treated with different gel volumes: control (no treatment); V2 (2 µL of 17.5% HP); V4 (4 µL); and V8 (8 µL). After 24 h, rats were euthanized and the specimens processed for histological and immunohistochemical (nitric oxide synthase) evaluation. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: In vitro (bovine teeth), chromatic changes were not influenced by bleaching gel volume, showing similar values in all groups and sessions, except for the control group (p<0.05). The V120 group had the highest HP diffusion values (p<0.05). In vivo (pulp tissue), the V4 and V8 groups showed the highest inflammatory infiltrate in the pulp and significant oxidative stress (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The adverse effects on the dental pulp related to HP diffusion, pulp inflammation, and oxidative stress depend on bleaching gel volume, while the bleaching effect is not proportional to the volume used.

Influence of bleaching gels formulated with nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate and fluoride on the physicochemical, mechanical, and morphological properties of dental enamel.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate in vitro the effects of sodium fluoride (F) and nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMPnano) added to a 35% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching gel on the color alteration, enamel mechanical and morphological properties, and H2O2 transamelodentinal diffusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine enamel/dentin discs (n = 180) were divided according to the bleaching gel: 35% H2O2 (HP); 35% H2O2 + 0.1% F (HP/F); 35% H2O2 + 1% TMPnano (HP/TMPnano); 35% H2O2 + 0.1% F + 1% TMPnano (HP/F/TMPnano) and 35% H2O2 + 2% calcium gluconate (HP/Ca). The gels were applied 3 times by 40 min; once each 7-day. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* total color alteration (ΔE), color alteration by CIEDE2000 (ΔE00), whitening index (ΔWID), surface (SH) and cross-sectional hardness (ΔKHN), surface roughness (Ra), and transamelodentinal diffusion were determined. Enamel surfaces were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Dispersive Energy (EDX). Data were submitted to ANOVA, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (p <0.05). RESULTS: ΔE, ΔE00, and ΔWID were similar among the gels that promoted a bleaching effect after treatment (p <0.001). Mineral loss (SH and ΔKHN), Ra, and H2O2 diffusion were lower for HP/F/TMPnano; the HP and HP/Ca groups presented the highest values (p <0.001). For SEM/EDX, surface changes were observed in all bleached groups, but less intense with TMPnano. CONCLUSIONS: Gels containing F/TMPnano do not interfere with the bleaching effect and reduce enamel demineralization, roughness, H2O2 diffusion, and morphological changes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Whitening gels containing F/TMPnano can be used as a new strategy to increase safety and maintain clinical performance.

Effect of an experimental desensitizing gel on bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity after in-office bleaching-a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS), and the efficacy of in-office bleaching after applying an experimental desensitizing gel composed of 10% calcium gluconate, 0.1% dexamethasone acetate, 10% potassium nitrate, and 5% glutaraldehyde. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a split-mouth, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 50 participants had their upper hemiarches randomized into experimental and placebo groups. Desensitizing and placebo gels were applied for 10 min before in-office bleaching (35% hydrogen peroxide, 1 × 50 min; two bleaching sessions; 1-week interval). TS was recorded immediately after bleaching, 1, 24, and 48 h after each session, with a 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS) and a five-point numerical rating scale (NRS). The color was recorded in all groups at baseline, 1 week after each session, and 1 month after the end of bleaching using shade guide units (ΔSGUs) and a spectrophotometer (ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔWID). RESULTS: Most participants (96%) felt some discomfort during treatment regardless of the study group. The odds ratio for pain was 0.65 (95% CI 0.1 to 4.1; p = 1.0). The intensity of TS did not differ between groups (p > 0.31), and it was only 0.34 VAS units lower in the experimental group. A significant color change occurred in both groups regardless of the group. CONCLUSIONS: The desensitizing experimental gel applied before in-office bleaching did not reduce the risk and the intensity of TS and did not affect color change. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the experimental desensitizing agent with varying mechanisms of action did not jeopardize the color change, it did not reduce the risk or intensity of in-office bleaching. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-7T7D4D.

Use of infrared photobiomodulation with low-level laser therapy for reduction of bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity after in-office bleaching: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of infrared photobiomodulation with low-level laser therapy (PBM) to reduce bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity (TS) after in-office bleaching. Eighty-three participants were randomized in blocks into two groups. In the experimental group, the patients received an application after each session of in-office bleaching (35% hydrogen peroxide, 1 × 50 min; 2 sessions with 1-week interval), while the laser application was simulated in the control group. The PBM system was operated in continuous mode, using 3 J of energy. A dose of 100 J/cm2 was applied for 30 s with 808 nm (100 mW of power) in the middle third of the crown. The risk and intensity of TS were recorded immediately after bleaching, 1 h, 24 h, and 48 h after each bleaching session, with a visual scale analog (0-10) and a five-point numerical scale (0-4). The color was recorded at the beginning, weekly, and 1 month after the end of the bleaching (VITA Classical, VITA Bleachedguide, and digital spectrophotometer). The risk of TS was 98% (95% CI 88 to 99%) for the laser group and 95% (95% CI 83 to 99%) for the control (RR = 1.03; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.12; p = 1.0). Similarly, no difference in the intensity of TS was detected for both pain scales (p > 0.65). Improvement in color change, regardless of the group, was observed (p > 0.15). The application of an PBM did not reduce the risk and intensity of TS when applied after the procedure using the parameters recommended by the manufacturer.Trial registration number and date of registration: RBR-4HCVSG-04/06/2019.

Effect of bleaching gels with different thickeners under normal and hyposalivation conditions: in situ study.

BACKGROUND: Bleaching gel thickeners induce important changes in tooth enamel and these changes are reversed by saliva. OBJECTIVE: This in situ study aimed to evaluate the effect of bleaching gels with different thickeners on tooth enamel under normal and hyposalivation conditions. METHODOLOGY: Of 28 participants, 14 had normal salivary flow and 14 had low salivary flow. For each salivary flow, four types of treatment were performed with different thickeners: no bleaching (negative control), bleaching with a commercial 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel with carbopol (positive control) and bleaching with experimental 10% CP gels with natrosol and aristoflex. Participants used a palatal appliance containing bovine enamel/dentin specimens for 15 days. From day 2 to day 15, specimens were bleached extraorally. The bleaching gel was applied according to the groups for four hours. When the bleaching gel was removed, the palatal appliance was inserted again in the participants' mouth until the next day for another bleaching application. This procedure was repeated for 14 days and on day 15, surface microhardness (SMH), color (ΔE*ab and ΔE00), surface roughness (Ra), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analyses were performed and data were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Neither salivary flow nor thickeners influenced ΔE*ab and ΔE00 results. Carbopol had the lowest SMH, the highest Ra, and the lowest Ca% among all groups. For normal flow, natrosol and aristoflex had higher SMH. For low flow, aristoflex had higher SMH and natrosol and aristoflex had lower Ra. Aristoflex had higher Ca% and Ca/P and differed from carbopol for normal flow. CONCLUSION: For normal flow, 10% CP gels with natrosol and aristoflex caused fewer surface changes, and for low flow, only the 10% CP gel with aristoflex.

Does simultaneous versus individual-arch at-home dental bleaching regimen influence patient satisfaction? A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Our randomized, parallel and single-blinded clinical trial evaluated patient level of discomfort during at-home bleaching testing the equivalence between two different protocols for the use of bleaching trays (simultaneous vs. single arch), as well as tooth sensitivity (TS), gingival irritation, (GI) and bleaching efficacy (BE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomized 100 patients into: simultaneous (n = 50) and single arch (n = 50). At-home bleaching was performed with 10% hydrogen peroxide (HP) for 2 weeks for simultaneous group and 4 weeks for single arch group. We assessed patient level of discomfort using 9-item questionnaire. The TS and GI, as well as BE using spectrophotometer and color guide were assessed using the visual analog scale (0-10). Data from level of discomfort and BE were evaluated by Student's t test. The TS and GI were compared using the relative risk and confidence interval (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Only tray adaptation showed a significant effect after the second week (p < 0.002). There was equivalence between groups for level of discomfort (p < 0.01). We found no significant intergroup differences for the risk of TS or GI, nor for intensity. We observed no significant differences between them regarding bleaching efficacy (p > 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: A simultaneous-use protocol for customized at-home dental bleaching trays proved to be equivalent to using single arch for patient level of discomfort and bleaching efficacy, with no significant increase in adverse effects. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians may decide whether to use a simultaneous or single arch protocol for tray usage; however, bleaching was achieved more quickly when the trays were worn simultaneously.

Effectiveness of Violet LED alone or in association with bleaching gel during dental photobleaching: A Systematic Review.

AIMS: To conduct a systematic review to determine the efficacy of violet led in promoting dental bleaching by itself or accelerating dental bleaching when associated with peroxides. METHODS: Clinical and in vitro studies were identified by a search on November 27th 2020 in the PubMed and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria were: 1) studies related to bleaching; 2) studies related to violet LED Light (405-410nm); and 3) studies that analyzed efficacy. The authors assessed the studies for risk of bias independently. Authors extracted outcomes including color change evaluation and pain assessment independently. RESULTS: During the search process, 895 articles were found in the previously cited databases. After the first screening consisting of title and abstract evaluations, 18 articles were selected. Finally, 13 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review, being 5 clinical trial/case series and 8 in vitro studies. In vitro studies showed a high risk of bias and interventional studies showed a low risk of bias. CONCLUSION: The violet Led seems to have the potential to bleach teeth without peroxides, with a clinical perceptible color alteration. However, the effect is small in comparison to bleaching using peroxides. When Violet Led is used in association with peroxides, it seems to potentialize the bleaching result. However, due to the high heterogeneity between studies, a small number of clinical studies, and the high risk of bias of the in vitro included studies, the results are not definitive, and further well-designed studies are needed to reach safe evidence.

Gingival irritation in patients submitted to at-home bleaching with different cutouts of the bleaching tray: a randomized, single-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This split-mouth randomized, single-blind clinical trial evaluated the gingival irritation (GI) of at-home bleaching with individual trays of different cutouts, as well as the tooth sensitivity (TS) and color change. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients were randomized as to which side would receive the type of bleaching tray cutout: scalloped (in the gingival margin) and nonscalloped (extended from the gingival margin). The at-home bleaching was performed for 30 min with 10% hydrogen peroxide (HP) for 2 weeks. The absolute risk and intensity of GI and TS were assessed with a visual analog scale. Color change was assessed using a digital spectrophotometer and a color guide (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The proportion of patients who experienced GI was 57.5% (odds ratio 95% CI = 1.1 [0.7 to 1.8]), with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.66). The proportion of patients who experienced TS was 64.1% (odds ratio 95% CI = 1.0 [0.6 to 1.6]), with no significant difference between groups (p = 1.0). There is equivalence of scalloped and noscalloped groups for GI intensity (p < 0.01). Significant whitening was detected for both groups. Although some differences were observed between groups (CIELab and CIEDE00; p < 0.02), these were below of the considered clinically noticeable. CONCLUSIONS: The different cutouts of trays proved to be equivalent when regarding gengival irritation and tooth sensitivity when 10% HP for at-home bleaching was used. Significant color change was observed in both groups. However, significant differences detected between groups are not considered clinically noticeable. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-2s34685). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Scalloped or not, the individual trays for at-home bleaching could be considered a clinician's decision.

Is the use of a potassium nitrate dentifrice effective in reducing tooth sensitivity related to in-office bleaching? A randomized triple-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to evaluate whether the use of a dentifrice containing 5% potassium nitrate (KNO3 ) prior to and during in-office dental bleaching reduces bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity and affects bleaching efficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight individuals were randomly distributed into two groups (n = 19). The experimental group performed toothbrushing using a dentifrice containing 5% KNO3 , one week before treatment and before the first and second bleaching sessions. In the control group, a placebo dentifrice without KNO3 was applied as described for the first group. Tooth sensitivity was recorded on visual analog scales (VAS) and numeric rating scales (NRS) immediately and up to 48 h after bleaching sessions. Color change at different time intervals, was evaluated with shade guide units (∆SGU) and a digital spectrophotometer (∆E CIELab 1976 and CIEDE2000) at baseline and 7, 15, and 30 days post-bleaching. Mann-Whitney test and t-test were used to evaluate TS intensity for NRS and VAS scales, respectively, and T-test was used for color difference evaluation. RESULTS: No significant difference in tooth sensitivity's absolute risk and intensity were observed between tested groups in any evaluated treatment time for NRS (p = 0.91) or VAS scales (p = 0.48). T-test showed no significant difference in both ∆E and ∆SGU tooth color among the experimental and control groups during the different evaluation times (p = 0.27). CONCLUSION: The use of a dentifrice containing 5% KNO3 does not prevent post-operatory tooth sensitivity but allows the same whitening efficiency as a regular dentifrice. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of a dentifrice-containing KNO3 did not prevent bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity when high-concentrated hydrogen peroxide was used for in-office bleaching.

Efficacy and tooth sensitivity of at-home bleaching in patients with esthetic restorations: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the color change and tooth sensitivity (TS) caused by at-home bleaching in patients with sound and with restored teeth. METHODS: Forty patients were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into two groups: So (patients with six caries-free maxillary anterior teeth) and Re (patients with at least one restoration in the six maxillary anterior teeth). Both groups were bleached with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) at-home bleaching. The color change (CIELab [ΔE*ab], CIEDE00 [ΔE00], and whiteness index [∆WID]) were assessed using a spectrophotometer at baseline, 2 weeks, and 1 and 3 months after bleaching. Patients recorded their TS using a numeric rating scale (0-4). Data of color change were submitted to Student's T-test. The absolute risk and intensity of TS were compared using Fisher's and the Mann-Whitney tests, respectively (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Higher ΔE*ab, ΔE00, and ∆WID values were observed for So in relation to Re after all recall rate (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed regarding of bleaching-induced TS (p > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: At-home dental bleaching with 10% CP generated the same pattern of TS in patients with or without restorations. However, in patients with restored teeth, it produced a lower color change after 2 weeks of bleaching. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: After 2 weeks of at-home bleaching, a lower whitening effect was observed in patients with anterior restorations when compared with patients with sound teeth. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier RBR-52j6gmg.

Effectiveness of remineralization agents on the prevention of dental bleaching induced sensitivity: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the use of different remineralization agents before in-office bleaching for decreasing bleaching induced sensitivity. METHODS: A total of 64 volunteers were randomly divided into four groups. Before undergoing in-office bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide gel (three applications of 15 min each, one session), clinicians applied a placebo gel (control group), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), neutral sodium fluoride gel (NSF) or nano-hydroxyapatite solution (n-HAP) on all buccal surfaces of teeth. The gel was left undisturbed for 4 min. The efficacy of tooth whitening was assessed by determining the colour change using SGU. Patients recorded their tooth sensitivities on the VAS scale. Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare changes in tooth colour and intensity of tooth sensitivity between groups. RESULTS: Overall, there was no significant difference in shade change between the groups. Control and CPP-ACP groups showed significantly higher rates of hypersensitivity than NSF and the n-HAP group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a remineralization agent (n-HAP/NSF) before in-office bleaching did not affect the bleaching efficacy but did reduce tooth sensitivity. The before bleaching treatment use of an n-HAP solution can be suitable for reducing bleaching born sensitivity as well as commonly used NSF remineralizing gel before in-office tooth bleaching can reduce tooth sensitivity, the most common side effect associated with this procedure.

Effectiveness and adverse effects of at-home dental bleaching with 37% versus 10% carbamide peroxide: A randomized, blind clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this trial was to evaluate bleaching effectiveness, tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation of whitening patients with 10% versus 37% carbamide peroxide (CP). METHODS: Eighty patients were selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly allocated into two groups (n = 40): 37% CP and 10% CP. In both groups, patients performed whitening for 3 weeks, 4 h/day for 10% group and 30 min/day for 37% group. Color was evaluated with Vita Classical, Vita Bleachedguide 3D Master and Spectrophotometer Easyshade, at baseline, weekly and 30 days after treatment. Absolute risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS) and gingival irritation (GI) were assessed with numeric rating scale (NRS) and a visual analog scale (VAS). Color changes were compared with t-test for independent samples. TS and GI were evaluated with Fisher's exact tests. Mann-Whitney test was used for NRS, and t-tests for VAS (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The 37% CP group showed faster whitening than 10% group at 1-3 weeks. However, 1 month after conclusion, both groups showed equivalent bleaching (p = 0.06). Regarding sensitivity and gingival irritation, 10% and 37% groups met no significant differences (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of 37% CP 30 min/day showed equivalent results to 10% 4 h/day. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of 37% carbamide peroxide 30 min/day may decrease the time of tray use in at-home protocol for whitening because it presents equivalent results to 10% carbamide peroxide 4 h/day.

Coadministration of ibuprofen/caffeine on bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity: A randomized clinical trial.

This clinical trial evaluated the effect of the coadministration of ibuprofen/caffeine on bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity (TS). A triple-blind, parallel-design, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 84 patients who received ibuprofen/caffeine or placebo capsules. The drugs were administered for 48 hours, starting 1 hour before the in-office bleaching. Two bleaching sessions were performed with 35% hydrogen peroxide gel with 1-week interval. TS was recorded up to 48 hours after dental bleaching with a 0-10 visual analogic scale (VAS) and a 5-point numeric rating scale (NRS). The color was evaluated with VITA Classical and VITA Bleachedguide scales (ΔSGU) and VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer (ΔE*ab and ΔE00). The absolute risk of TS in both groups was evaluated using Fischer's exact test. Comparisons of the TS intensity (NRS and VAS data) were performed by using the Mann-Whitney test and a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, respectively. The color alteration between the groups was compared with the Student's t test. The significance level was 5%. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the absolute risk of TS (p = 1.00) or for the intensity of TS (p > 0.05). A bleaching of approximately 7 shade guide units was observed on the Vita Classical and Vita Bleachedguide scales, with no statistical difference between the groups. It was concluded that coadministration of ibuprofen and caffeine did not reduce the absolute risk or intensity of TS and did not interfere with the efficacy of dental bleaching.