Effect of temperature and storage time on dental bleaching effectiveness

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of storage time and temperature on the effectiveness of bleaching agents. Methods: Enamel slabs were randomly allocated according to the concentration of carbamide peroxide (CP): 10% (CP10) and 16% (CP16). Shade evaluations were conducted at baseline and then after 3 and 12 months of storage at 3 different temperatures: 10°C (±2°C), 25°C (±2°C), and 35°C (±2°C). Objective color evaluation was performed (spectrophotometer CIEL*a*b* system and CIEDE2000) to calculate the color change (ΔE 00 ). Subjective evaluation was performed using the VITA classical shade guide followed by shade variation (ΔS). Results: The bleaching effect of different CP concentrations (10% and 16%) at baseline showed no differences with regard to objective (ΔE 00 ) and subjective parameters (ΔS) (P >.05). No differences were observed between CP concentrations stored for the same length of time and at the same temperature for either parameter (P >.05). In terms of objective measurement (ΔE 00 ), a reduction in the bleaching effect was shown for both CP concentrations (10% and 16%) when stored for 12 months at 35°C, and compared with the baseline (P .05). Conclusions: The storage of bleaching agents for long periods at high temperatures can reduce the bleaching effectiveness of CP at 10% and 16%. Clinical Significance: Clinicians must be made aware that they should store their bleaching products under proper temperature conditions and use them within an appropriate time frame; otherwise, the bleaching effect could be lost.