Comparison of the clinical efficacy and safety of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide in at-home bleaching gels.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of home-administered vital bleaching procedures and possible adverse effects derived from their use. One gel containing 3.5% hydrogen peroxide with a 5% potassium nitrate component (FKD, Kin Lab) was compared with a carbamide peroxide-based gel with a concentration of 10% (Opalescence, Ultradent).


METHODS
Two sample groups were designed, each composed of 8 patients. All patients employed both bleaching products, 1 in the maxillary arch and the other in the mandibular arch on a random basis. The treatment was applied for 3 hours a day for 4 weeks. The degree of bleaching was evaluated using the Vita guide arranged by brightness. Dental sensitivity was measured with a specially designed 4-point scale. Gingival irritation was registered by the presence or absence of lesions in the marginal gingiva related to treatment.


RESULTS
The degree of bleaching was similar with both products (4.8 Vita shade tabs). The hydrogen peroxide product with potassium nitrate provoked less dental sensitivity, although the difference between the 2 products was insignificant (P = .063). Gingival irritation appeared in 6 subjects, but was unrelated to the applied product.


CONCLUSIONS
Under the conditions of this study, no statistically significant differences were detected between 3.5% hydrogen peroxide containing 5% potassium nitrate (FKD) and the 10% carbamide peroxide-based product (Opalescence).
Alonso de la Peña
V
V
Department of Integrated Adult Dentistry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. victorap@mundo-r.com
Balboa Cabrita
O
O
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000328:Adult; D000077463:Carbamide Peroxide; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000139:chemically induced; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004338:Drug Combinations; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009566:Nitrates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016877:Oxidants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010545:Peroxides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011145:Polyvinyls; D017680:Potassium Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014073:Tooth Bleaching / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000188:drug therapy; D014508:Urea / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009566:Nitrates; D016877:Oxidants; D010545:Peroxides; D011145:Polyvinyls; D017680:Potassium Compounds; C006912:carboxypolymethylene; D000077463:Carbamide Peroxide; D014508:Urea; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; C023844:potassium nitrate