Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of two different in-office tooth whitening systems. Methods: Ten patients participated in this split-arch, randomized, parallel, blinded clinical evaluation. Only six maxillary anterior teeth with tooth shade of A-2 or darker were selected. The six lower anterior teeth were used as the control group. Each patient was evaluated for initial (baseline) shades by three independent evaluators, precalibrated at 85% rate reliability. All patients received a one-hour chairside bleaching using a 15% hydrogen peroxide system (Brite Smile, Brite Smile) for teeth 6-8 (Group I), and teeth 9-11 were then treated with a 38% hydrogen peroxide system (Opalescence Xtra Boost, Ultradent Products Inc.) for one hour (without the use of a curing light) (Group II), following manufacturers recommendations. Shade evaluation was done using the standard Vita Shade Guide arranged in value order, before and immediately after treatment. 35mm and digital photos were taken. Color values (L*, a* and b*) were also determined. All patients returned at 2 weeks for final shade evaluation and photographs. Results: Both in-office tooth whitening systems were effective in lightening teeth. Group I averaged 5.9±2.5 and Group II 3.97±2.33 shade changes immediately after the treatment. At the 2 week recall, Group I resulted an average of 4.6±2.14 and Group II of 4.67±2.3 shade changes, compared to the pre-bleaching shades. Paired samples t-test revealed statistically significant difference (p<0.0001) between Groups I and II immediately after bleaching, with Group I performing better. At the 2 week recall, only Group I showed significant rebound (p=0.0002). Group II showed a continuous lightening effect during the 2week period, but not statistically significant (p=0.085). At the completion of the study, there was no significant difference between Groups I and II (p=0.7826). Conclusion: This study indicates that both chairside tooth whitening systems are effective and result statistically the same.

Back to the Dental Materials: IV - Clinical Trials Program
Back to the 81st General Session of the International Association for Dental Research (June 25-28, 2003)

Top Level Search