Effect of different peroxide bleaching regimens and subsequent fluoridation on the hardness of human enamel and dentin

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Bleaching of teeth by "in-office" or "home" bleaching techniques are popular methods of whitening teeth. However, bleaching may reduce the surface hardness of enamel and dentin. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) the effect of different concentrations of 2 "in-office bleaching" and 2 "home bleaching" agents applied for different time periods on the hardness of enamel and dentin and (2) the effect of subsequent immersion in a low-concentration fluoride solution on the hardness of bleached enamel and dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The enamel and dentin of 12 extracted intact human molar teeth were sectioned lengthwise, ground, polished, embedded in acrylic resin and divided into 4 groups each (n=12). An area of approximately 5 x 5 mm of enamel and dentin tested for Knoop hardness number (KHN; kg/mm 2 ) at a load of 100 g for 20 seconds (baseline). The specimens were stored in distilled water for 1 hour and the microhardness testing repeated as a control group. The groups were bleached as follows: Group OX and Group OQ were bleached "in office" with Opalescence Xtra (35% hydrogen peroxide) and Opalescence Quick (35% carbamide peroxide), respectively, for 5, 15, or 35 minutes and retested for KHN at the end of each time period. "Home bleaching" products Opalescence F (15% carbamide peroxide) and Opalescence (10% carbamide peroxide) were applied in 14-hour applications at 24-hour intervals to Groups OF and O, respectively, which were then tested for KHN. Specimens were immersed in 0.05% fluoride solution (Meridol) for 5 minutes and retested for KHN. The hardness values were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Scheffe post hoc test (alpha=.05). Comparisons of KHN between each time and the baseline measurement for each group were of interest. RESULTS: Significant decreases in KHN of enamel and dentin were found after bleaching for all test groups, dependent on the accumulated bleaching time. Group OX showed a 25% KHN reduction for enamel and 22% for dentin after 35 minutes bleaching (P < .0001). Group OQ showed a 13% KHN reduction (P < .0001) for enamel and 10% for dentin after 35 minutes (P < .005). Group OF showed a KHN reduction of 14% for enamel (P < .05) and 9% for dentin (P < .0001) after 14 hours bleaching, and Group O showed an 18% reduction in enamel (P < .0001) and 13% in dentin (P < .0001) for the same period. Fluoridation completely restored the softened dental tissues. CONCLUSION: The "in-office" bleaching technique reduced the hardness significantly more than the "home" bleaching technique. Low-concentration fluoride mouth rinse (Meridol) restored the softened dental tissues.     

In Vitro Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Bleaching Agents Activated by Different Light Sources

Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy of tooth whitening and color stability at different time periods after treatment.
Materials and Methods: Blocks obtained from human molars were divided into 15 groups (n = 5) by bleaching agents: 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP and Opalescence Xtra) and 37% carbamide peroxide (Whiteness Super); and light sources: halogen lamp and plasma arc lamp (bleach mode), LED/diode laser, argon laser, and no light source. The efficacy of bleaching was measured using a spectrophotometer. Six bleaching sessions were performed (times 1 to 6). The specimens were submitted to another reading 7, 15, and 30 days after the end of bleaching (times 7, 8, and 9). The results were submitted to ANOVA followed by Tukey test and polynomial regression ( p < 0.05).
Results: Carbamide peroxide significantly differed from hydrogen peroxide, presenting low reflectance values. Activated versus non-activated bleaching did not differ significantly for any gel tested, except for Whiteness HP activated by argon laser, which presented the lowest mean reflectance values. The results obtained with hydrogen peroxide revealed a decrease in reflectance values one month after the end of treatment. For carbamide peroxide, this decrease was not observed.
Conclusion: The halogen lamp presented the same or higher efficacy than non-activated bleaching, which had a longer gel contact period. When hydrogen peroxide was used, a decrease in reflectance values was observed 30 days after the end of bleaching.     

Effects of phosphoric acid on bovine enamel bleached with carbamide peroxide

The aim of this study was to measure the demineralization capacity of 37% phosphoric acid on bovine enamel at different time-points after bleaching with 30% carbamide peroxide. Five, 4 × 4-mm sections were obtained from the enamel of 10 bovine incisors. After applying 30% carbamide peroxide (Vivastyle) for 90 min, specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 0, 24, 72 h, or 7 d and then immersed in 37% phosphoric solution. At 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 s, 5-ml aliquots were extracted. A control group of specimens was not bleached. Ca²⁺ concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A larger amount of Ca²⁺ was extracted from enamel by phosphoric acid after the application of 30% carbamide peroxide. Twenty-four hours after bleaching, significantly more Ca²⁺ was extracted from bleached than from control specimens at all time-points, and this greater susceptibility to the action of the acid persisted for at least 1 wk after bleaching.     

Clinical Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of and Tooth Sensitivity to 10% and 20% Carbamide Peroxide Home-use and 35% and 38% Hydrogen Peroxide In-office Bleaching Materials Containing Desensitizing Agents

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of and tooth sensitivity to 10% and 20% carbamide peroxide (CP) home-use bleaching agents and 35% and 38% hydrogen peroxide (HP) in-office bleaching agents, all of which contain desensitizing agents, in a clinical trial. Four agents were evaluated: 10% CP and 20% CP (Opalescence PF 10% and Opalescence PF 20%, Ultradent, both with 0.5% potassium nitrate and 0.11% fluoride ions), 38% HP (Opalescence Boost PF, Ultradent, with 3% potassium nitrate and 1.1% fluoride ions), and 35% HP (Pola Office, SDI, with potassium nitrate). The initial screening procedure included 100 volunteers, aged 18 to 42, with no previous sensitivity or bleaching treatment and with any tooth shade. Volunteers were randomly assigned among the technique/bleaching agent groups. A run-in period was performed 1 week before the beginning of the bleaching treatment. For the home-use bleaching technique, each volunteer was instructed to dispense gel (10% CP or 20% CP) into the trays and then insert them into his or her mouth for at least two hours per night for three weeks. For the in-office bleaching technique, the bleaching agents (38% HP or 35% HP) were prepared and used following the manufacturer's instructions, with three applications performed in each session. Three sessions were carried out with an interval of seven days between each session. The participants were evaluated before, at one week, two weeks, and three weeks after the beginning of the bleaching treatment, and again one and two weeks after the bleaching treatment ended. A shade guide (Vita Classical, Vita) was used by a blinded examiner to perform shade evaluations before bleaching and two weeks after the end of bleaching. At the time of the shade evaluations, tooth sensitivity was also recorded by asking the volunteers to classify the sensitivity during bleaching treatment as absent, mild, moderate, or severe. The present study found that 13.8% of the volunteers withdrew from the study due to tooth sensitivity, and 43.2% of the participants experienced some type of sensitivity during bleaching treatment. The χ( 2 ) test showed that there was a significant prevalence of tooth sensitivity during bleaching treatment using the home-use 20% CP agent, with 71.4% of volunteers reporting any level of tooth sensitivity (p=0.0032). A low prevalence of tooth sensitivity was observed for volunteers who used the in-office 38% HP agent (15.0%). The Wilcoxon test (p<0.05) showed that all of the bleaching treatments were effective in bleaching teeth and that there were no differences between the final color shade results among the treatments (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.05). This study showed that 43.2% of all the volunteers experienced mild or moderate tooth sensitivity during the treatment with bleaching agents. A higher prevalence of tooth sensitivity was observed for 71.4% of the volunteers who used the 20% CP home-use bleaching agent, which may be ascribed to the peroxide concentration and/or the time/length the agent was in contact with the dental structures.     

Peroxide bleaching agent effects on enamel surface microhardness, roughness and morphology

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness, microhardness and morphology of human enamel exposed to six bleaching agents (at baseline and post-treatment). Human dental enamel samples were obtained from human third molars and randomly divided into seven groups (n = 11): control, Whiteness Perfect--10% carbamide peroxide (10% CP), Colgate Platinum--10% CP, Day White 2Z--7.5% hydrogen peroxide (7.5% HP), Whiteness Super--3% CP, Opalescence Quick--35% CP and Whiteness HP--35% HP. Bleaching agents were applied according to manufacturers' instructions. The control group remained not treated and stored in artificial saliva. Microhardness testing was performed with a Knoop indentor and surface roughness was analyzed with a profilometer. Morphologic observations were carried out with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (5%), and revealed a significant decrease in microhardness values and a significant increase in surface roughness post-bleaching. Changes in enamel morphology after bleaching were observed under SEM. It was concluded that bleaching agents can alter the microhardness, roughness and morphology of dental enamel surface.     

Effect of direct peroxide bleach application to bovine dentin on flexural strength and modulus in vitro

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of carbamide peroxide (CP) and hydrogen peroxide (HP) bleaching on the flexural strength (FS) and flexural modulus (FM) of dentin. METHODS: 2x2x20mm bovine dentin specimens were immersed in the bleaching agents to simulate overnight (10 or 15% CP, 6h daily, 2 weeks), exaggerated overnight (10% CP, 6h/day, 5 days/week, 2 months), daytime (6.5 or 7.5% HP, 1h daily, 3 weeks) and in-office (35% HP, 1h/day, 2 days/week, 3 weeks) treatment protocols. Distilled water (DW) and a placebo gel acted as control immersion materials. After immersion, the specimens were rinsed and stored in DW. Mechanical testing was performed 24h after the last treatment using an Instron Universal Testing Machine with a crosshead speed of 0.75 mm/min. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: There were significant reductions in the FS and FM of dentin after 2-week and 2-month exposures to CP. There were no significant differences in the FS or the FM of the dentin among the HP treatment and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Direct in vitro application of CP bleaches caused significant decreases in dentin FS and FM. Similar decreases were not observed among the HP-treated dentin groups, which were exposed to shorter treatment times. Further research is needed to determine the effect of CP and HP on dentin in vivo.     

Clinical evaluation of the effectiveness of different bleaching therapies in vital teeth

The aims of this in vivo study were to compare the effectiveness and color stability of at-home and in-office bleaching techniques and to evaluate whether the use of light sources can alter bleaching results. According to preestablished criteria, 40 patients were selected and randomly divided into four groups according to bleaching treatment: (1) at-home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide, (2) in-office bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) without a light source, (3) in-office bleaching with 35% HP with quartz-tungsten-halogen light, and (4) in-office bleaching with 35% HP with a light-emitting diode/laser. Tooth shade was evaluated using the VITA Classical Shade Guide before bleaching as well as after the first and third weeks of bleaching. Tooth shade was evaluated again using the same guide 1 and 6 months after the completion of treatment. The shade guide was arranged to yield scores that were used for statistical comparison. Statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant differences among the groups for any time point (P > .01). There was no color rebound in any of the groups. The bleaching techniques tested were equally effective. Light sources are unnecessary to bleach teeth.     

Effects of in-office bleaching products on surface finish of tooth-colored restorations

A number of "high power" in-office bleaching products have recently been re-introduced into the market. The use of such strong oxidizing agents has raised questions as to possible adverse effects on tooth structure and restorative materials. This study evaluated the effects of 35% carbamide peroxide (Opalescence Quick) and 35% hydrogen peroxide (Opalescence Xtra) on the surface finish of four tooth-colored restorative materials (Spectrum TPH, Dyract AP, Reactmer and Fuji II LC). Twenty-seven matrix-finished specimens of each material were fabricated, stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for seven days and randomly divided into three groups. Specimens in Group 1 were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C (control). Specimens in Groups 2 and 3 were treated with 35% carbamide peroxide and 35% hydrogen peroxide, respectively. A total of three 30-minute bleaching sessions were conducted at one-week intervals. Storage medium during the hiatus period was distilled water at 37 degrees C. Surface roughness measurements were carried out using profilometry after each bleaching session. Data was analyzed using ANOVA/Scheffe's test at a 0.05 significance level. No significant difference in surface roughness was observed between the bleached and the control groups for all materials. In-office bleaching products are not detrimental to the surface finish of composites, compomers, giomers and resin-modified glass ionomer cements.     

The pH of tooth-whitening products

Tooth whitening products may be in contact with intraoral structures for several hours or they may be used daily to whiten the teeth. Consequently, these products should have a relatively neutral pH to minimize potential damage. This study measured the pH of 26 commercially available tooth-whitening products. The pH of the different whitening products ranged from 3.67 (highly acidic) to 11.13 (highly basic). The dentist-supervised home-bleaching products had a mean pH of 6.48 (range 5.66 to 7.35). The over-the-counter whitening products had a mean pH of 8.22 (range 5.09 to 11.13), and the whitening toothpastes had a mean pH of 6.83 (range 4.22 to 8.35). The 3 in-office bleaching products had a pH between 3.67 and 6.53. One-way ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference between the 4 product categories. The most basic pH of all the products tested was 11.13 for the whitening gel of Natural White-Rapid White. The most acidic pH of all products tested was 3.67 for Opalescence Xtra 35% hydrogen peroxide in-office bleach. The Least-Squares-Means test showed that the over-the-counter category had a pH significantly different from the other categories (p < 0.05).     

Effect of two in-office whitening agents on the enamel surface in vivo: a morphological and non-contact profilometric study

This study evaluated the morphological effects produced in vivo by two in-office bleaching agents on enamel surface roughness using a noncontact profilometric analysis of epoxy replicas. The null hypothesis tested was that there would be no difference in the micromorphology of the enamel surface during or after bleaching with two different bleaching agents. Eighteen subjects were selected and randomly assigned to two treatment groups (n=9). The tooth whitening materials tested were 38% hydrogen peroxide (HP) (Opalescence Xtra Boost) and 35% carbamide peroxide (CP) (Rembrandt Quik Start). The bleaching agents were applied in accordance with manufacturer protocols. The treatments were repeated four times at one-week intervals. High precision impressions of the upper right incisor were taken at baseline as the control (CTRL) and after each bleaching treatment (T0: first application, T1: second application at one week, T2: third application at two weeks and T3: fourth application at three weeks). Epoxy resin replicas were poured from impressions, and the surface roughness was analyzed by means of a non-contact profilometer (Talysurf CLI 1000). Epoxy replicas were then observed using SEM. All data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and differences were determined with a t-test. No significant differences in surface roughness were found on enamel replicas using either 38% hydrogen peroxide or 35% carbamide peroxide in vivo. This in vivo study supports the null hypothesis that two in-office bleaching agents, with either a high concentration of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, do not alter enamel surface roughness, even after multiple applications.     

Comparative clinical study of the effectiveness of different dental bleaching methods - two year follow-up

This study evaluated color change, stability, and tooth sensitivity in patients submitted to different bleaching techniques.

Material and methods

In this study, 48 patients were divided into five groups. A half-mouth design was conducted to compare two in-office bleaching techniques (with and without light activation): G1: 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) (Lase Peroxide - DMC Equipments, São Carlos, SP, Brazil) + hybrid light (HL) (LED/Diode Laser, Whitening Lase II DMC Equipments, São Carlos, SP, Brazil); G2: 35% HP; G3: 38% HP (X-traBoost - Ultradent, South Jordan UT, USA) + HL; G4: 38% HP; and G5: 15% carbamide peroxide (CP) (Opalescence PF - Ultradent, South Jordan UT, USA). For G1 and G3, HP was applied on the enamel surface for 3 consecutive applications activated by HL. Each application included 3x3'' HL activations with 1'' between each interval; for G2 and G4, HP was applied 3x15'' with 15'' between intervals; and for G5, 15% CP was applied for 120''/10 days at home. A spectrophotometer was used to measure color change before the treatment and after 24 h, 1 week, 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. A VAS questionnaire was used to evaluate tooth sensitivity before the treatment, immediately following treatment, 24 h after and finally 1 week after.

Results

Statistical analysis did not reveal any significant differences between in-office bleaching with or without HL activation related to effectiveness; nevertheless the time required was less with HL. Statistical differences were observed between the results after 24 h, 1 week and 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months (intergroup). Immediately, in-office bleaching increased tooth sensitivity. The groups activated with HL required less application time with gel.

Conclusion

All techniques and bleaching agents used were effective and demonstrated similar behaviors.     

Effect of whitening agents on dentin bonding

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown a reduction in enamel bond strengths when the bonding procedure is carried out immediately after vital bleaching with peroxides. This reduction in bond strengths has become a concern in cosmetic dentistry with the introduction of new "in-office" and "waiting-room" bleaching techniques. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of three bleaching regimens: 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP), 35% carbamide peroxide (CP), and 10% CP, on dentin bond strengths. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty fresh bovine incisors were used in this study. The labial surface of each tooth was ground flat to expose dentin and was subsequently polished with 600-grit wet silicon carbide paper. The remaining dentin thickness was monitored and kept at an average of 2 mm. The teeth were randomly assigned to four bleaching regimens (n = 30): (A) control, no bleaching treatment; (B) 35% HP for 30 minutes; (C) 35% CP for 30 minutes; and (D) 10% CP for 6 hours. For each group, half of the specimens (n = 15) were bonded with Single Bond/Z100 immediately after the bleaching treatment, whereas the other half was bonded after the specimens were stored for 1 week in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C. The specimens were fractured in shear using an Instron machine. RESULTS: For the groups bonded immediately after bleaching, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Duncan's post hoc test revealed a statistically significant reduction in bond strengths in a range from 71% to 76%. For the groups bonded at 1 week, one-way ANOVA showed that group B (35% HP for 30 min) resulted in the highest bond strengths, whereas 10% CP resulted in the lowest bond strengths. Student's t-test showed that delayed bonding resulted in a significant increase in bond strengths for groups B (35% HP) and C (35% CP); whereas the group bleached with 10% CP (group D) remained in the same range obtained for immediate bonding. Storage in artificial saliva also affected the control group, reducing its bond strengths to 53% of the original.     

The effects of high concentration tooth whitening bleaches on microleakage of Class V composite restorations

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of high-concentration hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents on the microleakage of composite restorations. METHODS: In 60 extracted human molars, Class V restorations were prepared with Scotchbond 1/Filtek Z250 composite. Teeth were randomly divided into four groups: (1) no bleaching; (2) bleaching with 14% hydrogen peroxide gel from Crest Whitestrips; (3) bleaching with 20% carbamide peroxide gel from Opalescence PF 20; and (4) bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide gel Opalescence Xtra Boost. Bleaching procedures were carried out at 37 degrees C for 21 days/42 hours (2); seven days/42 hours (3); one day/45 minutes (4). Varnish was applied on the apical portion of the teeth only, excluding the restoration, prior to immersion in a 0.1% rhodamin-B-isothiocyanate solution for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. After rinsing, specimens were embedded in methacrylate blocks, and sectioned with a water-cooled microtome with three restoration cuts positioned centrally parallel to the long axis of the tooth. Microleakage was evaluated at the occlusal margins of the Class V restorations using a stereo microscope, separate for dentin and enamel margins. RESULTS: Over 90% of enamel margins exhibited no microleakage following cycling. Bleaching agents had almost no effect on numerical averages. Eighty-eight percent of the dentin margins were free of microleakage for the non-treated control group. Bleaching treatments collectively had slight numerical reductions to around 80%. The statistical evaluation (Kruskal-Wallis-test) showed no significant difference in microleakage between groups for enamel or dentin. CONCLUSION: Bleaching with the materials tested had no influence on microleakage of Filtek Z250 composite bonded with Scotchbond 1.     

In vitro effects of hydrogen peroxide combined with different activators for the in-office bleaching technique on enamel

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the alteration of human enamel bleached with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide associated with different activators. Materials and methods. Fifty enamel/dentin blocks (4 × 4 mm) were obtained from human third molars and randomized divided according to the bleaching procedure (n = 10): G1 = 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP – Whiteness HP Maxx); G2 = HP + Halogen lamp (HL); G3 = HP + 7% sodium bicarbonate (SB); G4 = HP + 20% sodium hydroxide (SH); and G5 = 38% hydrogen peroxide (OXB – Opalescence Xtra Boost). The bleaching treatments were performed in three sessions with a 7-day interval between them. The enamel content, before (baseline) and after bleaching, was determined using an FT-Raman spectrometer and was based on the concentration of phosphate, carbonate, and organic matrix. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey’s test. Results. The results showed no significant differences between time of analysis (p = 0.5175) for most treatments and peak areas analyzed; and among bleaching treatments (p = 0.4184). The comparisons during and after bleaching revealed a significant difference in the HP group for the peak areas of carbonate and organic matrix, and for the organic matrix in OXB and HP+SH groups. Tukey’s analysis determined that the difference, peak areas, and the interaction among treatment, time and peak was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The association of activators with hydrogen peroxide was effective in the alteration of enamel, mainly with regards to the organic matrix.     

In vitro evaluation of variances between real and declared concentration of hydrogen peroxide in various tooth-whitening products

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze the real hydrogen peroxide (HP) concentration in various commercially available tooth-whitening products containing HP and/or carbamide peroxide (CP). Materials and methods. Sixteen commercially available tooth-whitening products containing various concentrations of CP or HP were investigated. The products were divided into four groups: dentist-supervised home bleaching products (Group 1, n = 5), in-office bleaching products (Group 2, n = 4), over-the-counter bleaching products (Group 3, n = 3) and whitening toothpastes and rinses (Group 4, n = 4). The peroxide concentration was determined using the oxy-reduction titration method. All the reagents used in the study were of analytic grade and freshly prepared before the experiment. Results. The HP concentration in various dentist-supervised home bleaching products and in-office bleaching products ranged from 3.02–37.08% (expected range = 3–38%). The HP concentration of over-the-counter whitening products ranged from 1.24–5.57% (expected range cannot be estimated as no concentration of active ingredient was provided). Among whitening toothpastes and rinses, Colgate Plax whitening rinse showed more than 1% HP concentration, whereas it was lower than 0.05% in other whitening toothpastes and oral rinses (expected range cannot be estimated as no active ingredient was mentioned). Conclusions. HP concentration of most of the professional tooth-whitening products was different from the expected concentrations, although the deviations were small and most of the products were close to the expected concentration. No concentration of active ingredient was provided for over-the-counter whitening products and no active ingredient was mentioned for whitening toothpastes and rinses.     

Trans-enamel and trans-dentinal cytotoxic effects of a 35% H2O2 bleaching gel on cultured odontoblast cell lines after consecutive applications

Aim  To evaluate the trans-enamel and trans-dentinal cytotoxic effects of a 35% H₂O₂ bleaching gel on an odontoblast-like cell lines (MDPC-23) after consecutive applications.
Methodology  Fifteen enamel/dentine discs were obtained from bovine central incisor teeth and placed individually in artificial pulp chambers. Three groups ( n  = 5 discs) were formed according to the following enamel treatments: G1: 35% H₂O₂ bleaching gel (15 min); G2: 35% H₂O₂ bleaching gel (15 min) + halogen light (20 s); G3: control (no treatment). After repeating the treatments three consecutive times, the extracts (culture medium + gel components that had diffused through enamel/dentine discs) in contact with the dentine were collected and applied to previously cultured MDPC-23 cells (50 000 cells cm⁻²) for 24 h. Cell metabolism was evaluated by the MTT assay and data were analysed statistically (α = 5%; Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U -test). Cell morphology was analysed by scanning electron microscopy.
Results  Cell metabolism decreased by 92.03% and 82.47% in G1 and G2 respectively. G1 and G2 differed significantly ( P  < 0.05) from G3. Regardless of halogen light activation, the application of the bleaching gel on the cultured odontoblast-like cells caused significantly more severe cytotoxic effects than those observed in the nontreated control group. In addition, significant morphological cell alterations were observed in G1 and G2.
Conclusion  After three consecutive applications of a 35% H₂O₂ bleaching agent, the diffusion of the gel components through enamel and dentine caused severe toxic effects to cultured pulp cells.     

Effects of hydrogen peroxide bleaching strips on tooth surface color, surface microhardness, surface and subsurface ultrastructure, and microchemical (Raman spectroscopic) composition

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of hydrogen peroxide tooth bleaching strips on the surface hardness and morphology of enamel and the ultrastructure and chemical composition of enamel and dentin in vitro. METHODOLOGY: Sound human molars were ground and polished to prepare a uniform substrate for bleaching treatments. A cycling treatment methodology was employed which alternated ex vivo human salivary exposures with bleaching treatments under conditions of controlled temperature and durations of treatment. Bleaching treatments included commercial Crest Whitestrips bleaching strips, which utilize hydrogen peroxide in a gel as the in situ bleaching source at 6.0 and 6.5% concentrations of H2O2. Control treatments included an untreated group. Crest Whitestrips bleaching included treatment exposures simulating 2x the recommended clinical exposures (28 hours bleaching). Surface color measurements were taken prior to and following bleaching to ensure tooth bleaching activity. The effects of bleach on physical properties of enamel were assessed with microhardness measures. Ultrastructural effects were classified by surface and subsurface confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. In addition, the effects of bleaching on tooth microchemical composition was studied in different tooth regions by coincident assessment of Raman spectroscopic signature. RESULTS: Color assessments confirmed significant ex vivo tooth bleaching by Whitestrips. Surface microhardness and SEM measures revealed no deleterious effects on the enamel surfaces. CLSM micromorphological assessments supported the safety of hydrogen peroxide bleaching strips both on surface and subsurface enamel, DEJ, and dentin ultrastructure. Raman spectroscopy analysis demonstrated no obvious effects of bleaching treatments on the microchemical composition of enamel and dentin. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that tooth bleaching with hydrogen peroxide whitening strips does not produce changes in surface/subsurface histomorphology or in surface microhardness and ultrastructure of treated teeth. In addition, for the first time, these results confirm the safety of hydrogen peroxide bleaching strips to tooth microchemical composition as measured by Raman spectroscopy.     

A clinical evaluation of two in-office bleaching products

This half-mouth design, two-week treatment phase, combined with an 11-week evaluation double-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare two in-office bleaching products, StarBrite (35% hydrogen peroxide) with Opalescence Xtra Boost (38% hydrogen peroxide), for degree of color change of teeth, any relapse effect (darkening) associated with discontinued use and gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity associated with use. The degree of color change and relapse was evaluated by using a colorimeter, shade guide and color slide photographs. Participants self-evaluated their gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity. They recorded daily the level of gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity experienced during the first three weeks of the study. The results of this study showed no statistical difference between products during active treatment periods and any follow-up visits using the three-color evaluation methods. Color relapse began after the bleaching treatments were finished and continued until the fifth week, after which no further significant changes appeared. Also, there was no statistical difference in gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity between the products.     

Effect of curing lights and bleaching agents on physical properties of a hybrid composite resin

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microhardness (MH) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of a minifill hybrid composite (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE), polymerized with halogen lamp or second generation light-emitting diode (LED), submitted to different bleaching agents. Composite resin specimens were randomly polymerized according to experimental groups (halogen, 550 mW/cm²/20 seconds; LED, 550 mW/cm²/25 seconds) and subdivided into three subgroups ( N  = 8): A, without bleaching (control); H, 35% hydrogen peroxide; and C, 16% carbamide peroxide. After that, the MH test and DTS test were performed. Two-way analysis of variance (whitening × light) and Tukey's tests (α = 5%) were performed. For DTS, there were no statistical differences among the bleaching agents and the control group; however, the halogen group presented statistically lower DTS ( p  < 0.05) than the LED group. For the MH test, the carbamide peroxide group presented statistically lower MH means ( p  < 0.05) than the control groups, and there were no statistical differences among the light-curing units. Sixteen percent carbamide peroxide reduced the MH of the hybrid composite tested. The second generation LED presented a performance similar to or better than the halogen lamp for hardness and DTS, respectively.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Repolishing of minifill hybrid composite is suggested, as the alteration caused after the contact with 16% carbamide peroxide was limited to the material surface. The second generation light-emitting diode is a good option for a curing light device when the polymerization initiator of composite resin is camphorquinone.     

Influence of in Situ Postbleaching Times on Shear Bond Strength of Resin-Based Composite Restorations

BackgroundThe authors conducted an in situ study of the influence of various time intervals after tooth bleaching with 35 percent hydrogen peroxide on the bond strength of resin-based composite restorations.MethodsAfter selecting 20 participants, the authors randomly fixed enamel and dentin blocks onto the buccal surfaces of posterior maxillary teeth one week before performing tooth bleaching with 35 percent hydrogen peroxide. After the bleaching treatment, they removed one block of dentin or enamel and prepared it for the bond strength tests according to these time intervals: no bleaching treatment (controls), immediately after bleaching, seven days after bleaching, 14 days after bleaching and 21 days after bleaching.ResultsThe analysis of variance and Tukey test showed significant differences between times (P < .05), and shear bond strength values of resin-based composite to enamel and dentin were lower immediately after the bleaching treatment.ConclusionsThe authors found that 35 percent hydrogen peroxide reduces the bond strength to enamel and dentin and that it is necessary to wait seven days before performing adhesive restorative procedures.Clinical ImplicationsThe results of this study suggest that clinicians should allow seven days to elapse after completion of in-office bleaching with 35 percent hydrogen peroxide before placing adhesive restorations.