Colorimetric assessment of laser and home bleaching techniques.
OBJECTIVE
This study recorded in vitro color change of three tooth bleaching techniques that included laser-activated hydrogen peroxide and two concentrations of carbamide peroxide.


METHODS
Forty extracted human central incisors were exposed to argon laser-activated 35% H2O2, 10% carbamide peroxide, or 20% carbamide peroxide. A fourth group (control) did not receive any bleach treatment (n = 10/group). Commission International de l'Eclariage (CIE) L*a*b* coordinates were recorded prior to bleaching (baseline), at 1 week, and at 2 weeks. The color difference (delta E*ab) between baseline and subsequent measurements was calculated.


RESULTS
The control group did not demonstrate significant color difference over time (p > .05). The laser group was not statistically different from the control group (p > .01). The color difference of the 10% and 20% carbamide peroxide groups was statistically different from the control group (p < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to 20% carbamide peroxide produced the greatest perceivable change in color. The recommended one-time application of laser-activated hydrogen peroxide did not demonstrate any perceivable color change. The clinician should be aware that additional or longer applications may be required.
Jones
A H
AH
University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
Diaz-Arnold
A M
AM
Vargas
M A
MA
Cobb
D S
DS
D000077463:Carbamide Peroxide; D003124:Colorimetry; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D007834:Lasers; D010545:Peroxides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014073:Tooth Bleaching / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014508:Urea / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives
D004338:Drug Combinations; D010545:Peroxides; D000077463:Carbamide Peroxide; D014508:Urea