In-Office Tooth Bleaching for Adolescents Using Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Gels: Clinical Trial

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate colorimetric changes and tooth sensitivity in adolescents and young patients submitted to tooth bleaching with 20% and 35% hydrogen peroxide. A randomized, controlled, clinical trial was conducted with 53 patients aged 11 to 24 years who were allocated to groups based on the use of the following commercial products: Whiteness HP - FGM® (35% hydrogen peroxide); Whiteness HP Blue Calcium - FGM® (35% hydrogen peroxide); and Whiteness HP Blue Calcium - FGM® (20% hydrogen peroxide). After the bleaching procedure, the visual analog scale was used to measure tooth sensitivity and the Vita Classical Shade guide was used to determine changes in tooth color. Statistical analysis involved the Friedman, Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls tests, with p≤0.05 considered indicative of statistical significance. The addition of calcium contributed to a reduction in tooth sensitivity, especially when the lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide (20%) was used. Tooth sensitivity occurred in a transitory way and did not influence the tooth bleaching process. Significant differences in color were found after each of the two bleaching sessions. In-office tooth bleaching was considered an effective method for adolescents and young adults. Further studies in this population are necessary in order to fully evaluate the effects of bleaching in young teeth.