Comparison of the Effects of In-office Bleaching Times on Whitening and Tooth Sensitivity: A Single Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to compare the bleaching efficacy (BE) and tooth sensitivity (TS) of in-office bleaching applied under different time protocols.

Methods and materials: Fifty-three patients were randomly distributed into three groups: the bleaching agent was applied in one (1×15), two (2×15), or three (3×15) 15-minute applications. The labial surfaces of the anterior teeth were bleached using a 35% hydrogen peroxide gel. Two bleaching sessions with a one-week interval between were performed. The shade evaluation was performed with a visual shade guide and spectrophotometer before and 30 days after bleaching. Participants recorded TS with a five-point verbal scale. Color change was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests. The absolute risk of TS and TS intensity were evaluated by the Fisher exact and Friedman/Kruskal-Wallis tests, respectively (α= 0.05).

Results: Significant whitening was observed in all groups, with statistically lower BE for the 1×15 group (p<0.05). The absolute risk of TS (95% confidence interval) was lower for the 1×15 group than for the other groups (p<0.05). The TS intensity of the 3×15 group was statistically higher than that associated with the other protocols (p<0.05).

Conclusions: A single 15-minute application produced less TS but reduced BE. The protocol with 2×15 produced a degree of BE similar to that of the 3×15 group, but with reduced overall TS intensity.