Influence of various dentin desensitizers on the effect of tooth whitening

Abstract

Since the FDI proposed minimal intervention in 2000, whitening methods without drilling teeth have been actively and widely investigated, and many new bleaching agents have been developed. There are two methods of vital tooth-bleaching : home bleaching performed by patients using a custom tray, and office bleaching performed by dentists at clinics. Office bleaching has the advantage of obtaining the desired effect in a short time compared with home bleaching, and being applied under the control of a dentist. However, agents used for office bleaching contain a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredient, for which there are many points to be considered, such as the influence on tooth quality and protection of the soft tissue. 9−11 In addition, hypersensitivity frequently develops. The incidence of dentin hypersensitivity developing during and immediately after bleaching has been reported to be 55−75% when mild cases are included, and with involvement of enamel lamellae, there is a possibility of micro cracks developing in the enamel. Desensitizers acting on hydroxyapatite are commercially available and expected to be effective for enamel, which contains a higher percentage of hydroxyapatite than dentin. In this study, we investigated the effect on tooth whitening of the concomitant use of dentin desensitizers and bleaching agents.