A comparison of the effect and contentment among patients receiving at-home bleaching with two different treatment approaches

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Some bleaching modalities include an activation process with the utilization of heat or light to enhance the effect of bleaching gel. Aim: To compare the effect of treatment and the contentment among patients having received bleaching therapy with two different approaches. Methods and Materials: Six men and six women ranging from 22 to 61 years of age were included and divided into two groups. Opalescence 10% carbamide peroxide-gel was administrated in individual bleaching trays in Group I for two hours a day for fourteen days and in Group II for two hours a day for fourteen days and 2x1 hour in-office tooth whitening sessions. In Group II, the same bleaching agent and tray was used plus a light activation with an LED-lamp for forty seconds per tooth being treated. Results: Eleven patients completed the study. Group I had an average colour change of –5,36 steps on a modified VITA-scale and Group II –4,30. The patients in Group II seemed to be more satisfied with the treatment outcome compared to the subjects in Group I. Conclusion: Only speculations regarding the outcome of the study can be made. However, it appears as if patients receiving a more advanced bleaching therapy including the use of light become more satisfied with the end result compared to patients receiving at-home based whitening only. This seems to be the case even if patients given at-home bleaching therapy achieve an objectively better end result of the treatment.