IN VITRO COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF HOME AND IN-OFFICE TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the most effective bleaching technique of vital teeth, considering the existence of different techniques. Results obtained from one in-office bleaching agent were compared to those obtained from an at-home material. A colorimeter was used for tri-dimensional and numerical registration of the color. The products used in this investigation were 15 percent carbamide peroxide and 35 percent light-activated hydrogen peroxide, following manufacturer's instructions. Thirty nine samples were divided into 3 groups: group 1 – 15 percent carbamide peroxide (at-home technique), group 2 – 35 percent hydrogen peroxide (in-office technique) and group 3 - control. The most effective bleaching technique was determined by averaging the values found for the three groups. The teeth bleached with the in-office and at-home techniques demonstrated significant changes in color. The results showed that the at-home vital bleaching with 15 percent carbamide peroxide and the in-office vital bleaching using 35 percent light-activated hydrogen peroxide are statistically equivalent. Thus, the choice for one or the other technique can be based on each case individually, since the results will be similar with both tested products.