The Effect of Home Bleaching Gel with Chitosan on Tooth Color and Mineral Alteration

This study aimed to compare tooth mineralization and color changes achieved with two experimental bleaching gels containing chitosan and theobromine (16% CP or 6% HP, Group 1, 2) with the FGM Whiteness Perfect (16% CP) (Group 3) and BioWhitenProHome (6% HP) (Group 4). Ninety-six maxillary central teeth were divided into two groups for color and mineral evaluations. These groups were then further divided into four subgroups according to the bleaching agent (n = 12). Mineral analysis was performed with SEM-EDX before the bleaching, at the end of the treatment, and two weeks after treatment ended to assess changes. Color measurement was performed with a spectrophotometer before bleaching, on the 7th day of treatment, 24 h after final treatment, and two weeks after treatment ended. No significant difference among the groups was found in color change (p > 0.05), while mineralization differed significantly (p < 0.05). The ΔE₀₀₃ values of Group 4 and Group 2 were found to be close to each other. The highest calcium loss was detected in Group 3, whereas the most pronounced decrease in phosphorus values was observed in Group 4. Using theobromine and chitosan can provide clinicians with positive results for bleaching treatments, such as using lower HP concentrations and avoiding side effects.