A randomized clinical trial of in-office dental bleaching with or without light activation.

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of four in-office dental bleaching methods on shade change, color stability, patient satisfaction and postoperative sensitivity.

Methods And Materials: Forty patients were randomly divided into four groups (n=10) according to the method of in-office bleaching used: Group A-35% hydrogen peroxide (HP); Group B-35% HP plus BriteSmile and a blue curing light; Group C-35% HP plus QuickSmile and an LED curing light; Group D-35% HP and a Zoom2 metal halide curing light. For all groups, there was only one session of bleaching with three 20-minute applications of bleaching gel. The shade was evaluated before bleaching, immediately after, and one month after treatment using a VITA Classical Shade Guide.

Results: Immediately after bleaching there was a significant difference in color change between the four groups, with Group B having the best results. At one month there was no difference between the four groups. Immediate postoperative sensitivity was the least in Group A and the highest for Group B. Patients in Group B were the most satisfied with the outcome of the bleaching procedure.

Conclusions: In general, the use of different lights for activation of an in-office bleaching agent did not affect the long-term results. Tooth sensitivity was mild and transient in the study. Patients were satisfied with in-office bleaching.

Clinical Significance: Using light activation with in-office bleaching seems to increase the efficacy of treatment only for a short period of time.