Evaluation of side effects and patients' perceptions during tooth bleaching.

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Oral health
• Cosmetic dentistry

Background:

• Nightguard vital bleaching (NGVB) is a common cosmetic dental procedure.
• Hydrogen peroxide (HP) and carbamide peroxide (CP) are widely used bleaching agents.
• Understanding the side effects and patient perceptions of different bleaching concentrations is crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare tooth sensitivity (TS), gingival irritation (GIr), and other side effects of experimental 5% and 7% HP bleaching solutions against a 10% CP product.
• To evaluate patients' perceptions and long-term outcomes of NGVB treatments.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-one participants used custom trays with 5% HP, 7% HP, or 10% CP for 30 minutes twice daily for 7 days.
• Gingival index (GI), tooth vitality, TS, and GIr were assessed pretreatment, post-treatment, and at 1-week and 10-month follow-ups.
• Daily logs and questionnaires were used to record patient-reported outcomes.

Main Results:

• The 7% HP group reported significantly more TS and GIr compared to the 10% CP control group at the end of active treatment.
• A significant clinical change in GI levels was observed for the 7% HP group compared to the control.
• No statistically significant differences in any evaluated parameters were found among the three products at 7 days or 10 months post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Experimental HP bleaching solutions can be used in NGVB with no long-term side effects observed up to 10 months.
• While short-term tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation may be higher with 7% HP, these effects are temporary and resolve within 2-3 days.
• The study supports the safe use of these experimental HP solutions for NGVB, with transient side effects.