The effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration on the outcome of tooth whitening: an in vitro study.
OBJECTIVE
This in vitro study examined the effect that various concentration of hydrogen peroxide (5-35%) had on tooth whitening.


METHODS
Extracted third molars were sectioned and stained using a standardised tea solution to Vita shade C4. These stained specimens were then bleached with a series of gels containing 5, 10, 15 or 25% w/w hydrogen peroxide. Each specimen was bleached for a number of sessions with one session being defined as 3 x 10 min exposure.


RESULTS
The number of applications of the various concentrations of bleaching gel varied from 12 applications for the 5% gel to one application for the 35% gel. Plotting the number of applications against hydrogen peroxide concentration showed an exponential response curve.


CONCLUSIONS
The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a proprietary bleaching gel had a marked effect on the number of applications required to produce an optimal shade outcome.
Sulieman
M
M
Division of Restorative Dentistry, University of Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY, UK.
Addy
M
M
MacDonald
E
E
Rees
J S
JS
D000465:Algorithms; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003124:Colorimetry; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004581:Electronics; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000473:pathology; D016877:Oxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013662:Tea / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014073:Tooth Bleaching; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005782:Gels; D016877:Oxidants; D013662:Tea; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide