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.

Scoping review: Effect of surface treatments on bond strength of resin composite repair.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the existing evidence on surface treatment techniques employed in resin composite repair and their effect on the repair short- and long-term bond strength. DATA AND SOURCE: This scoping review was performed under the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews and registered on the Open Science Framework platform. STUDY SELECTION: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus and grey literature up to September 2022 without language or date restriction. In vitro studies comparing mechanical surface and/or chemical treatments on repair bond strength of resin composite were included. Studies evaluating experimental adhesive systems or resin composites were excluded. Selection of studies and data extraction were performed. Data from selected studies was qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 76 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Among the mechanical treatments, alumina blasting was the most frequently used, followed by silica coating and diamond bur. As for chemical treatments, dentin bonding systems were the most frequently evaluated, followed by universal adhesive systems and silane/ceramic primer. The combination of mechanical and chemical pre-treatments increased the repair bond strength of resin composite in both short- and long-term simulated aging scenarios. The evidence obtained from the included studies was classified as moderate quality, mainly due to the medium risk of bias observed across most of the studies. CONCLUSION: The techniques used to treat the surface of resin composites for repair are diverse. Incorporating a combination of mechanical and chemical pre-treatments resulted in superior repair bond strength of resin composite materials under both short- and long-term simulated aging conditions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The analysis of evidence revealed significant variability among protocols for repairing resin composites. Utilizing both mechanical and chemical pre-treatment methods is important for enhancing the bond strength of resin composites during both short- and long-term simulated aging situations.