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Effects of preoperative air-powder polishing and rubber-cup prophylaxis on tooth bleaching: randomized controlled
Zeliha Gonca Bek Kurklu1, Mustafa Ozcan2
1Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Cukurova University, Sarıcam, Adana, Turkey. goncabek@mynet.com.
Objective:
This clinical study aimed to compare the effects of preoperative air-powder polishing and rubber-cup prophylaxis on tooth bleaching.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-three patients with tooth discoloration were enrolled in this randomized controlled split-mouth experimental study. Before bleaching, air-powder polishing (APP) and rubber-cup polishing (RCP) techniques were applied on either side of the mouth. A 40% hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent was applied twice for 15 min for the in-office bleaching treatment. The tooth bleaching effects were assessed immediately and 1 week after bleaching.
Results:
There were no significant differences between the prophylaxis groups with respect to all color parameters (ΔL, Δa, Δb, ΔSGU, and ΔE00) immediately after bleaching (p > 0.05). At 1-week assessment period, there were no significant differences between the prophylaxis groups with respect to all color parameters (p > 0.05), except ΔE00 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Immediately after the bleaching treatment, the two prophylactic techniques produced similar efficacy. One week after the bleaching treatment, the APP technique produced higher levels of color changes.
Clinical Relevance:
APP prophylaxis before bleaching treatment may reduce the application time and the number of sessions to achieve the desired color.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrial.gov ID: NCT04407910.

