Objective: The degree of color change and the dental sensitivity associated with the use of different concentrations (10%, 15%, and 20%) of carbamide peroxide every night for 6 months was evaluated in tetracycline-stained teeth.
Method and materials: Fifty-nine subjects were shown how to place two different concentrations of carbamide peroxide in the custom trays with reservoirs. For a period of 6 months, the patients were to insert the tray every evening before retiring. Patients returned in 1 and 2 weeks and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 months for evaluation of the degree of color change by subjective shade matching and by photographic means. Sensitivity of hard or soft tissues was self-reported.
Results: Fifty-two subjects attended more than 90% of the recalls. A colorimeter was used to convert shade guide tabs to Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage color spaces (CIELAB). The most rapid whitening occurred in the first month. At 3 and 9 months, 91% and 85% of the subjects, respectively, were at least "a little pleased" with the results of the bleaching. In the professional evaluation, 90% of the teeth were deemed to have an excellent or satisfactory esthetic result. The higher the concentration of carbamide peroxide, the more rapidly the lightness value and color difference changed. There was no difference among the three concentrations in resulting gingival sensitivity. Patients experienced less tooth sensitivity with 10% gel than they did with 15% and 20% gels.
Conclusion: Bleaching with 10%, 15%, and 20% carbamide peroxide is effective for removing tooth staining caused by tetracycline. The 10% concentration has the most advantages and the fewest disadvantages.