The efficacy of reservoirs in bleaching trays

Thirty patients were selected to bleach their maxillary teeth. Vacuum-formed trays were fabricated for the maxillary arch so that only one quadrant of bleaching tray had reservoirs. Nupro Gold 10% carbamide peroxide gel was given to patients. They were instructed to place a drop of gel in each tooth area and wear the trays twice a day for two-hour periods. After 10 days the patients were evaluated for shade changes in each quadrant. No clinical difference was observed in the after-shade match of the two quadrants. It appears that the addition of blockout spacers to create reservoirs does not increase the success of home bleaching.