Related Experiment Videos
Present and future technologies of tooth whitening
D Viscio1, A Gaffar, S Fakhry-Smith
1Colgate-Palmolive Company, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry. (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995). Supplement
|March 23, 2002
Summary
Dental stains are intrinsic or extrinsic. Professional whitening uses hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, while OTC products use abrasives and low peroxide levels for stain removal and tooth whitening.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dental stains are classified as intrinsic (developmental defects, fluorosis, tetracycline) or extrinsic (pellicle reactions, exogenous chromophores).
- Effective stain removal and tooth whitening are crucial for dental aesthetics and patient satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current methods for measuring stain removal and tooth whitening.
- To discuss the technologies behind professional and over-the-counter (OTC) tooth whitening products.
- To explore future advancements in dental whitening.
Main Methods:
- Clinical methods for stain assessment include the Lobene Stain Index, Shade Guide Color Change, and Minolta ChromaMeter.
- Professional whitening utilizes high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (in-office) or carbamide peroxide (at-home).
- OTC products employ surfactants, abrasives, anticalculus agents, and low-level hydrogen peroxide.
Main Results:
- Professional whitening effectively reduces intrinsic stains and alters inherent tooth color.
- OTC products primarily target extrinsic stains and aid in maintaining results after professional treatment.
- Established methods provide reliable measurements for evaluating whitening efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Current professional and OTC whitening products offer distinct mechanisms for stain management.
- Future research may focus on enhancing peroxide efficacy with activators or enzymes for improved dental whitening outcomes.