Guidelines for the selection of tooth whitening products amongst those available on the market

Abstract

Background: Several tooth whiteners are available on the market, and the ideal choice should be determined by ef­ ficacy and optimal clinical results. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the reported clinical success rates of different tooth whitening products. Search strategy: The relevant literature (1998 - 2011) was studied, using as sources the databases: Google Scholar, Science Direct, Medline and Pubmed. Selection criteria: The material was clearly identified, the manufacturers' instructions were respected and the sample size stated. Results and conclusions: This descriptive report on 49 papers focuses on the total colour change, measured with a calibrated shade guide and also numerically {colourime­ ter, chromameter or spectrophotometer), the relapse of the colour change and tooth sensitivity. In general, the dentist­ supervised at-home bleaching and the in-office treatment gave approximately the same initial percentage improvement of tooth whitening. However,the relapse after a four week or longer period was significantly higher for the in-office treat­ ment. The treatment of choice should be a dentist super­ vised at-home bleaching product which generally contains -1096 carbamide peroxide applied over about 14 days for about eight hours per night. Tooth sensitivity should not be a general problem although some subjects might choose to discontinue treatment as a result of sensitivity.