Randomized controlled trial of 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening strips

OBJECTIVE: This research compared the clinical response of two different peroxide-containing gel formulations delivered using self-applied whitening strips. METHODOLOGY: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted to compare a one-week 10% hydrogen peroxide thin (0.13 mm) bleaching gel (Crest Whitestrips Premium) to a marketed two-week 6% hydrogen peroxide strip (0.20 mm) control (Crest Whitestrips). The maxillary arch was treated twice daily for 30 minutes. Efficacy (L*a*b* color change) was measured objectively by digital image analysis after one and two weeks. RESULTS: A total of 40 adults ranging from 19-48 years of age participated in the study. Both treatments were effective in whitening teeth, as evidenced by a statistically significant improvement from baseline (p < 0.001) beginning at one week. At that time, the adjusted mean deltab* (SE) (yellowness reduction) for the 10% strip was -2.42 (0.147) compared to -1.91 (0.143) for the 6% strip, with the treatments differing significantly (p = 0.02). At two weeks, the adjusted mean deltab* (SE) for the 10% strip was -3.31 (0.182) compared to -2.49 (0.167) for the control. After two weeks, treatments differed significantly (p < 0.02) for deltab* and deltaL* (lightness improvement). Comparing results from two weeks of the 6% control strip to one week of the 10% strip, the mean deltab* treatment difference was -0.07 (90% confidence interval from -0.44 to +0.31). Both treatments were generally well tolerated, with mild and transient tooth sensitivity or oral irritation representing the most common adverse events. CONCLUSION: Vital bleaching with 10% hydrogen peroxide strips at one week was as effective as 6% hydrogen peroxide strips used for two weeks.