Whitening efficacy of low concentration hydrogen peroxide photoactivated with blue or violet LED

Bleaching protocols using low concentration hydrogen peroxide (HP) photoactivated with LED sources have been widely discussed. Herein, we evaluated the whitening efficacy of 15% HP photoactivated with blue or violet LED compared to 35% HP.

Thirty bovine crowns were sectioned into 5 × 5 × 2 mm specimens. After staining in black tea, the specimens were randomized into three groups (n = 10): 35% HP, 15% HP + blue LED and 15% HP + violet LED. Two bleaching sessions were performed and the color assessment (∆L*, ∆a*, ∆b*, ∆E_ab [CIELab], ∆E₀₀ [CIEDE2000] and WI_D) was performed before, 24h after each session, 7 days and 1 month after the last session. Data were evaluated by two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-test at a significance level of 5%.

All groups showed effective and similar results over 1 month of follow-up (p > 0.05), with only intragroup differences among the time intervals (p < 0.05).

The use of 15% HP photoactivated with blue or violet LED showed similar whitening efficacy compared to 35% HP. Thus, the association of low concentration bleaching gels with blue or violet LED sources can provide successful and less-aggressive treatment in terms of color change.