Correlation between patient satisfaction and color changes after tooth bleaching.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between patient satisfaction of outcomes and tooth color changes during and after tooth bleaching.

Methods: In this clinical trial, 63 volunteers participated in an in-office bleaching procedure using a 40% hydrogen peroxide gel. The treatment consisted of two sessions, each comprising two 30-min applications of the bleaching gel. The L*, a*, and b* values of six maxillary anterior teeth were measured at baseline (T1), after the first bleaching session (T2), after the second bleaching session (T3), 1 week after the second in-office bleaching session (T4), and 3 weeks after the second in-office bleaching session (T5). The color differences (ΔE ) were calculated using CIEDE2000. A satisfaction scale with a score ranging from 0 to 3 was used to record participants' level of satisfaction with their tooth color at each time point. The data were statistically analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and logistic regression (α = 0.05).

Results: Significant correlations were observed between ΔL*, Δb*, and ΔE values at T3 and patient satisfaction (all p < 0.05). The regression model indicated a more pronounced impact of Δb* on patient satisfaction compared to ΔL*. The established regression models were as follows: Logit (P ) = -4.354 + 0.271ΔL* - 0.585Δb* and Logit (P ) = -2.552 + 0.521ΔE . The findings suggested a minimum ΔE value of 4.90 for satisfactory results. A minimum ΔE value of 3.9, 5.0, and 6.8 was necessary for central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines, respectively, to achieve a satisfactory result.

Conclusions: The ΔL*, Δb*, and ΔE values were found to be significantly correlated with patient satisfaction after bleaching. Δb* was identified as having a greater influence on patient satisfaction than ΔL* values in the regression model. Furthermore, attaining a minimum ΔE value of 4.90 is necessary to achieve satisfactory outcomes. A greater ΔE value is needed for canines than for incisors to achieve equivalent patient satisfaction.

Clinical Significance: This study emphasizes the importance of considering the extent of color change needed to achieve patient satisfaction after tooth bleaching procedures.