Tooth sensitivity in different arches post in-office dental bleaching: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Dental Aesthetics
• Oral Health

Background:

• In-office dental bleaching is a common cosmetic procedure.
• Tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation are potential side effects.
• Comparing outcomes between maxillary and mandibular arches is important for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS) and gingival irritation (GI).
• To evaluate bleaching efficacy (BE) in maxillary versus mandibular arches.
• To assess post-bleaching effects of in-office dental bleaching.

Main Methods:

• 90 participants received 35% hydrogen peroxide gel bleaching in either maxillary or mandibular arch.
• Tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation were recorded using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at multiple time points.
• Bleaching efficacy was measured using shade guide units (ΔSGU), CIELab (ΔEab), CIEDE2000 (ΔE00), and Whiteness Index for Dentistry (WID).

Main Results:

• The risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity were significantly higher in the mandibular arch (p < 0.003).
• No significant differences in gingival irritation were observed between the arches (p > 0.38).
• Both arches showed significant bleaching efficacy without statistically significant differences (p > 0.08).

Conclusions:

• In-office dental bleaching leads to greater tooth sensitivity in the mandibular arch compared to the maxillary arch.
• Gingival irritation and overall bleaching effectiveness do not differ significantly between the arches.
• Clinicians should anticipate increased tooth sensitivity in the mandibular arch during in-office bleaching procedures.