Tooth whitening efficacy of commercially available tooth whitening products - An in vitro study

Original Research

Abstract

Introduction: People's quest for attractive appearance has led to an increase in the popularity of tooth whitening. There are numerous over-the-counter tooth whitening products on the market nowadays.t. It is difficult and confusing for the patient to make a choice among the available materials.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of 6% hydrogen peroxide with that of two commercially available tooth whitening products.

Materials & Method: Thirty third molars that had been removed were stained with a normal tea solution to Vita colour C4. Following staining, these specimens were given a 6% whitener. Hydrogen peroxide and two other commercially available tooth whitening products namely Colgate Visible White and Glodent toothpaste. Each specimen was whitened over the course of several sessions, each lasting two minutes twice daily for fourteen days. Utilizing the shade guide Vitapan Classical, visual colour measurements were taken on all teeth prior to bleaching and 14 days following the procedure.

Result: Shade guide values showed that whereas hydrogen peroxide treatments generated noticeable and statistically significant whitening effects, commercially available teeth whitening solutions had minimal impact on tooth shade. Most specimens were returned to their original shade or darker after bleaching procedures, which represents an average shift of 13.8–15 shade guide units.

Conclusion: Commercially available tooth whitening products reduced the staining to some extent.