Tooth-whitening efficacy and safety: a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

Abstract

A randomized, single-center, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the whitening efficacy and safety of 2-week, twice-daily use of a 5.3% hydrogen peroxide tooth-bleaching gel delivered on polyethylene film. Efficacy was based on change in Vita shade scores from baseline to the end of treatment. Thirty-three patients in each group completed treatment. Use of the peroxide-containing gel led to a mean change in baseline Vita shade score of -3.70 +/- 0.35, compared with a change of -0.87 +/- 0.24 after use of a placebo gel. After adjustment for baseline scores, the mean difference in shade change between the peroxide gel-treated group and placebo-treated group was -2.85 +/- 0.41 (P < 0.0001). Both treatments were generally well tolerated. The strips offer ease of use, comfort, and shorter duration of wear compared with other at-home bleaching systems.