In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of different over-the-counter products on tooth whitening

Abstract

This in vitro study evaluated the whitening effect of four different over-the-counter products compared with a 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) bleaching gel. Specimens obtained from bovine incisors were stained in a tea solution and randomly divided into six groups according to the product used (n=10): CT: conventional toothpaste (negative control); CWT: Crest 3D White toothpaste; CWR: Crest 3D White mouth rinse; CWS: Crest 3D White strips; DW: Dazzling White (paint-on gel); and OP: Opalescence PF 10% CP (at-home bleaching gel, positive control). Over-the-counter products and 10% CP were used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Color measurements were performed according to the CIELab system using spectrophotometer after staining, and after 4 and 8 weeks of the treatment procedure. The ΔE, ΔL, Δa, and Δb values were calculated. The data obtained were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA. Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons was applied (p<0.05). All groups, except CWT, were effective in tooth whitening in comparison with conventional toothpaste. There was no significant difference in tooth whitening between CWT and CT (p=0.93). CWS, DW and OP groups presented significantly higher color changes than the CWR group. DW and CWS showed similar tooth whitening to OP.