A clinical evaluation of two in-office bleaching products

This half-mouth design, two-week treatment phase, combined with an 11-week evaluation double-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare two in-office bleaching products, StarBrite (35% hydrogen peroxide) with Opalescence Xtra Boost (38% hydrogen peroxide), for degree of color change of teeth, any relapse effect (darkening) associated with discontinued use and gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity associated with use. The degree of color change and relapse was evaluated by using a colorimeter, shade guide and color slide photographs. Participants self-evaluated their gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity. They recorded daily the level of gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity experienced during the first three weeks of the study. The results of this study showed no statistical difference between products during active treatment periods and any follow-up visits using the three-color evaluation methods. Color relapse began after the bleaching treatments were finished and continued until the fifth week, after which no further significant changes appeared. Also, there was no statistical difference in gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity between the products.