In vitro whitening performance of gold standard dental bleaching methods compared to trending alternatives from...

This in vitro study evaluated the whitening performance and enamel surface effects of conventional and alternative social media-promoted methods. Gold standard techniques (35% hydrogen peroxide in-office [IO] and 10% carbamide peroxide at-home [AT]) were compared with brushing using activated charcoal powder [AC] and violet toning [VT].

Human molars were randomly assigned to four groups: IO, AT, AC, and VT. Color change was evaluated objectively (digital spectrophotometry: ΔWI_D and ΔE₀₀) and subjective methods (VITA Classical and VITA Bleachedguide 3D-MASTER shade guides: ΔSGUs). Enamel surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and quantitative analyses of microhardness (ΔVHN) and roughness (Ra) were performed. Color data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA; ΔVHN and ΔRa were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α = 0.05).

IO and AT groups showed significantly greater whitening efficacy, with higher ΔWI_D, ΔE₀₀, and ΔSGUs values compared with the AC and VT groups (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed between AC and VT groups (p > 0.05), both showing lower ΔWI_D, ΔE₀₀, and ΔSGUs values. Enamel morphology remained mostly intact for IO and AT, while AC caused irregularities and grooves, and VT showed granular surface deposits. All groups exhibited reduced ΔVHN, most pronounced for AC (p < 0.001), and higher Ra values (p = 0.008).

While gold standard bleaching techniques were effective and minimally invasive, the alternative methods promoted on social media were ineffective and caused noticeable enamel surface alterations, raising concerns about their safety and clinical reliability.

Gold standard bleaching techniques are effective and safe for clinical use. In contrast, social media-promoted alternatives such as AC and VT are not effective and can compromise enamel integrity.