External bleaching effect on the color and luminosity of inactive white-spot lesions after fixed orthodontic appliances.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of external bleaching on the color and luminosity of inactive white-spot lesions (WSLs) present after fixed orthodontic appliance treatment as means for achieving color matching of the WSLs with adjacent tooth surfaces.


METHODS
Ten patients with inactive WSLs after therapy with fixed orthodontic appliances were selected. At baseline, the lightness of maxillary incisors and canines was assessed with a colorimeter. Color determinations were performed in the area of the initial lesions (F1) and at adjacent, sound enamel areas (F2). Then, anterior teeth were bleached once with a bleaching gel for 60 minutes. After a break of 14 days, in-office bleaching was followed by a 2-week home bleaching period with daily home bleaching for 1 hour. After this, color determinations were repeated. Additionally, patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire to provide information about their degree of contentment with the treatment.


RESULTS
The lightness values of both the F1 and F2 regions were significantly higher after bleaching as compared with baseline. F2 L-values increased significantly more as compared with F1, indicating a better color matching of these two areas in comparison with baseline. All patients were satisfied with the outcome of the bleaching therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
External bleaching is able to satisfactorily camouflage WSLs visible after therapy with fixed orthodontic appliances.
Knösel
Michael
M
Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Center of Dentistry, Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany. mknoesel@yahoo.de
Attin
Rengin
R
Becker
Klaus
K
Attin
Thomas
T
D003124:Colorimetry; D003481:Cuspid; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007180:Incisor; D008437:Maxilla; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014073:Tooth Bleaching; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide