[Teeth whitening with 6% hydrogen peroxide vs. 35% hydrogen peroxide, a comparative controlled study]

In light of the lately changes in regulations regarding teeth whitening in Europe, the use of 6% hydrogen peroxide using a dedicated device becomes the first choice treatment option. The purpose of this controlled, randomized, parallel, blinded six months prospective study was to compare this method of teeth whitening treatment with that of in-office method using 35% hydrogen peroxide.

75 healthy american individuals, ages 18-62, participated in this study. The participants were divided into 3 groups: a 6% hydrogenperoxide group, a 35% hydrogen peroxide group and a placebo control group. Whitening procedures were performed on intact frontal teeth with color shade of A3 or higher. A controlled color measurement was performed before, immediately after, three and six months post treatment. Clinical periodontal indices, oral mucosa changes, side effects and participant satisfaction, were recorded.

In the 6% group, the change in color shades immediately after treatment, three and six months after treatment were 2.37, 2.17 and 1.95, respectively. Tooth color changes in 35% group immediately after completion of treatment, three and six months after treatment were 3.68, 2.60 and 1.70, respectively. Statistical significant differences were found in both treatment groups between the baseline color shade and the post treatment color shade. The results were stable three and six months after treatment. Statistically significant difference between the groups immediately after treatment (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups three and six months after treatment (p > 0.5000). Side effects such as oral mucosa irritation, burns or sensitive teeth were mild and resolved without intervention. A high satisfaction level was recorded.

Tooth color shade can be substantially improved using a dedicated device with 6% hydrogen peroxide only. This whitening method can be helpful for the dentist in: home continuing treatment post in- office whitening specially in case with severe staining, maintenance of in-office whitening treatment outcomes or as an OTC home whitening procedure for patients with limmited budget.