Review of the effectiveness of various tooth whitening systems

Oper Dent. 2009 Mar-Apr;34(2):230-5. doi: 10.2341/08-74.

Abstract

This review compares nine published studies conducted at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Twenty-five products in four different systems were evaluated using the Trubyte Bioform Color Ordered Shade Guide and a Chroma Meter. The dentist-prescribed overnight bleaching delta mean shade guide value (DSGV) 10 weeks post-bleaching was 13.2 and delta E value (DEV) 4.7; dentist-prescribed daytime bleaching DSGV 10 weeks post-bleaching was 10.5 and DEV 3.4; in-office bleaching DSGV 10 weeks post-bleaching was 6.7 and DEV was 2.1; over-the-counter bleaching DSGV two weeks post-bleaching was 7.2 and DEV was 4.1. A color difference of Delta E 2.6 is perceivable. Tooth whitening is observable with all methods of bleaching. Dentist-prescribed overnight bleaching was shown to be the most effective method of bleaching.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Color
  • Colorimetry
  • Humans
  • Nonprescription Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Oxidants / therapeutic use
  • Self Care
  • Time Factors
  • Tooth / pathology
  • Tooth Bleaching / methods*

Substances

  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Oxidants