Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of a brush-off patch containing 3.0% hydrogen peroxide, which is a new over-the-counter (OTC) product for tooth whitening, and determine the optimal protocol for use.
Materials and methods: We performed an in vitro study using hydroxyapatite specimens and a clinical trial involving 140 volunteers. The brush-off patch was applied to the specimens (in vitro) or the maxillary anterior teeth (in vivo; 14 days) for 10 min twice daily (case 10 group) or 30 min once daily (case 30 group). We also included control groups in both experiments. Lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values were measured using a colorimeter. In the in vivo study, color changes were measured at baseline and 7 and 14 days after the start of patch application. The overall color change (ΔE) was statistically analyzed.
Results: In the in vitro study, the color change (ΔE*) after the experiment was significantly different between the two case groups and the control group (p < 0.001). In the in vivo study, the case groups showed color changes at both 7 and 14 days after patch application. In particular, the change in the case 30 group was significantly more prominent on day 14 than on day 7 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that brush-off patches containing 3.0% hydrogen peroxide are effective OTC products for tooth whitening.
Clinical relevance: For best results, brush-off patches containing 3.0% hydrogen peroxide can be applied once daily for 30 min.
Keywords: Bleaching; Brush-off patch; Hydrogen peroxide; Tooth discoloration.