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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of color change, any rebound effect, and sensitivities associated with using 2 different concentrations of carbamide peroxide in vivo. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Twenty-five subjects used 10% and 15% agents in trays for 14 days on different sides of their maxillary arches. Subjects returned in 3 days and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 weeks for evaluation of color change and rebound effect. Shade matching, photographic means, and a colorimeter were used for evaluation. Subjects self-reported gingival and tooth sensitivity on a scale of 1 (no sensitivity) to 5 (severe sensitivity). RESULTS: After 2 weeks, delta L*, delta a*, delta b*, delta E* and delta shade guide rank means for the 10% whitening agent were 6.50, -1.37, -4.63, 8.79, and -15.40, respectively; for the 15% agent, they were 8.72, -1.63, -5.90, 11.03, and -16.59, respectively. After 6 weeks, delta L*, delta a*, delta b*, delta E*, and delta shade guide rank means for the 10% whitening agent were 3.04, -0.99, -3.19, 5.13, and -13.13, respectively; for the 15% agent, they were 3.48, -1.01, -3.60, 5.58, and -13.65, respectively. Means for gingival sensitivity were 1.18 and 1.21 for the 10% and 15% agents, respectively; means for tooth sensitivity were 1.21 and 1.26 for the 10% and 15% agents, respectively. CONCLUSION: All 3 methods of evaluation revealed a significant difference in the tooth lightness achieved by 10% and 15% products at 2 weeks but no significant difference at 6 weeks. No statistically significant difference was found in gingival or tooth sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the degradation of 10% carbamide peroxide within the first hour of use and the effect of pellicle on the degradation of carbamide peroxide in vivo. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Fifteen subjects were assigned to wear nightguard trays filled with bleaching gel for 0.5, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 40.0, and 60.0 minutes under 2 conditions: (1) subjects did not receive a prophylaxis before each bleaching treatment (pellicle was assumed to be present on the tooth surface); and (2) subjects received prophylaxis to remove pellicle from the tooth surface. At each evaluation time, 3 types of sample were collected: (1) a 'grab sample,' a sample of gel taken with a spatula from the reservoir of the tray on the maxillary right central incisor; (2) the remaining gel from the tray; and (3) the remaining gel scraped from the teeth. The collected gel samples were analyzed for the amount of peroxide using the United States Pharmacopeia-accepted method. Subjects were asked not to swallow the saliva during treatment but to expectorate into a beaker. The collected saliva was analyzed to determine the amount of peroxide. This sample represented the approximate amount of peroxide that subject would ingest during treatment. RESULTS: Pellicle did not affect the degradation of carbamide peroxide for the teeth or grab samples. The degradation of carbamide peroxide was exponential, except during the first 5 minutes, when the degradation rate was much higher. The saliva collected from subjects during use of the bleaching tray revealed an average of 2.1 mg of carbamide peroxide for 1 hour of bleaching treatment. CONCLUSION: The degradation rate is not affected by the removal of the pellicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective : The study evaluated the water sorption (WSP) and water solubility (WSL) characteristics of different luting agents over a 180-day water storage period. Materials and Methods : Nine luting materials, i.e., conventional resin cement: Panavia F (PF), Rely X ARC (RA), self-adhesive resin cement: Rely X Unicem (RU), Breez (BZ), Maxcem Elite (MX), BisCem (BC) and resin-modified glass ionomer cement: FujiCem (FC), FujiPlus (FP) Rely X luting plus (RL) were assessed and fifty-two-disc specimens of each material were fabricated. All specimens were desiccated until a constant weight (W0) was reached. Thirteen specimens for each luting material were then randomly assigned to one of the four water immersion periods (7, 30, 90, and 180 days). After each period, the specimens were removed from the water and weighed to get W1. The samples were again desiccated for a second time and W 2 was measured. Both WSP and WSL were determined by the following equations: WSP (%) = (W 1 - W 2 ) × 100/W 0 and WSL (%) = (W 0 - W 2 ) × 100/W 0 . Assessments were performed following ISO standards. ANOVA was used to assess the effect of luting agent and time period on water sorption and solubility. Pair-wise comparisons were adjusted using Tukey's multiple comparison procedure. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all statistical tests. Results : The highest mean WSP and WSL (WSP/WSL) were demonstrated by resin-modified glass-ionomers (RL 18.32/3.25, FC 17.08/4.83, and FP 14.14/1.99), while resin luting agents showed lower WSP and WSL results (PF 1.6/0.67 and RA 1.76/0.46), respectively. The self-adhesive agents exhibited a wide range of WSP and WSL values (RU 1.86/0.13, BZ 4.66/0.93, and MX 3.68/1.11). Self-adhesive cement showed lower WSP and WSL compared with the resin-modified glass-ionomers ( p < 0.05). All the materials reached equilibrium after 90-days. Conclusions : Resin-based luting materials have the lowest sorption and solubility. Rely X Unicem self-adhesive luting materials were comparable to resin luting materials for WSL and WSP. Resin-modified glass-ionomer showed the highest water sorption and solubility compared with both resin and self-adhesive materials.

Objectives: This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride as desensitizing agents during tooth bleaching treatment., Data, Sources and Study Selection: An electronic systematic literature search was conducted in Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (PubMed) and EmBase in April, 2014 in English and without time restrictions. Study information extraction and methodological quality assessments were accomplished by two reviewers independently. Methodological quality was assessed by using the "Criteria for judging risk of bias in the 'Risk of bias' assessment tool". Dichotomous data was summarized by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and continuous data was summarized by mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical analyses were carried out by using Review Manager 5.2. For evaluation of percent of patients experiencing tooth sensitivity (POTS), the pooled OR of desensitizers vs. placebo was 0.45 (95% CI: 0.28-0.73, P=0.29). The pooled SMD of desensitizers vs. placebo was -0.47 (95% CI: -0.77 to -0.18, P=0.13) in evaluation of level of tooth sensitivity (LOTS). The results of shade evaluation remained inconsistent by evaluating subjective shade guide unit difference (ΔSGU or SGU) and objective colour difference (ΔE)., Conclusions: This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of desensitizing agents, potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride, for tooth bleaching treatments. Potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride reduce tooth sensitivity while no consistent conclusion of tooth colour change was found., Clinical Significance: Tooth sensitivity is a typical side effect associated with tooth bleaching procedures. Potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride are used widely to treat tooth sensitivity. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride as desensitizing agents during tooth bleaching treatment., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Objective: To evaluate the short-term efficacy of agents containing KNO3 or casein phosphopeptide- amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity., Methods: UltraEZ, containing KNO3 and MI Paste, containing CPP-ACP were applied in this study. The dentin hypersensitivity of 102 subjects was established by a tactile stimulus with a Yeaple preasure probe, and the degree of hypersensitivity was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The patients were divided into four groups: A, B, C and D, using a random number table. UltraEZ, a placebo of UltraEZ, MI Paste, and a placebo of MI Paste were applied to group A, B, C and D respectively for 2 weeks. Dentin hypersensitivity was measured using VAS before the treatment (baseline), on day 2, 7, and 14 during the treatment, and on day 30 and 60 posttreatment., Results: The efficacy of UltraEZ on dentin hypersensitivity was significantly better than that of the corresponding placebo group on day 7 during the treatment, whereas the efficacy of MI Paste exhibited better than that of the placebo group on day 14 during the treatment. However, there were no differences between the efficacy of the two agents on day 14 during the treatment, day 30 or day 60 posttreatment., Conclusion: Both UltraEZ and MI Paste had a significant effect on dentin hypersensitivity. UltraEZ showed quicker effects than MI Paste, but MI Paste had a greater sustained action after treatment than UltraEZ.

Background: In an in vivo study, the authors tested the hypothesis that no difference in enamel surface roughness is detectable either during or after bleaching with a high-concentration in-office whitening agent., Methods: The authors performed profilometric and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analyses of epoxy resin replicas of the upper right incisors of 20 participants at baseline (control) and after each bleaching treatment with a 38 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening agent, applied four times, at one-week intervals. The authors used analysis of variance for repeated measures to analyze the data statistically., Results: The profilometric analysis of the enamel surface replicas after the in vivo bleaching protocol showed no significant difference in surface roughness parameters (P > .05) compared with those at baseline, irrespective of the time interval. Results of the correlated SEM analysis showed no relevant alteration on the enamel surface., Conclusions: Results of this in vivo study support the tested hypothesis that the application of a 38 percent hydrogen peroxide in-office whitening agent does not alter enamel surface roughness, even after multiple applications., Clinical Implications: The use of a 38 percent hydrogen peroxide in-office whitening agent induced no roughness alterations of the enamel surface, even after prolonged and repeated applications.

This study determined the effect of bleaching agents on the fracture toughness of composite materials. Four nanofilled resin composites were evaluated: Filtek Supreme Plus, Tetric EvoCeram, Premise and Esthet-X. Four concentrations of bleaching agents were tested: Opalescence PF 10%, 20%, 35% and 45%. Fifty specimens of each composite conforming to ASTM guidelines for the single edge notch bar-shaped specimen were fabricated in a metal mold. The specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C for a minimum of 24 hours prior to exposing them to the bleaching agents. Ten specimens of each material were used as controls. Forty specimens of each brand were evenly divided into four groups for bleaching agent application (n = 10). The resin composites were bleached on both sides for 14 days. The specimens were then subjected to a three-point bending test with a crosshead speed of 0.2 mm per second. The fracture toughness (K(Ic)) was calculated. The control group K(Ic) value of Esthet-X was significantly higher than that of the other composites in the controlled groups. Bleaching agents significantly improved the fracture toughness values of Filtek Supreme Plus. The application of bleaching agents did not significantly change the fracture toughness values of the other nanofilled resin composites tested.

This review compares nine published studies conducted at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Twenty-five products in four different systems were evaluated using the Trubyte Bioform Color Ordered Shade Guide and a Chroma Meter. The dentist-prescribed overnight bleaching delta mean shade guide value (DSGV) 10 weeks post-bleaching was 13.2 and delta E value (DEV) 4.7; dentist-prescribed daytime bleaching DSGV 10 weeks post-bleaching was 10.5 and DEV 3.4; in-office bleaching DSGV 10 weeks post-bleaching was 6.7 and DEV was 2.1; over-the-counter bleaching DSGV two weeks post-bleaching was 7.2 and DEV was 4.1. A color difference of Delta E 2.6 is perceivable. Tooth whitening is observable with all methods of bleaching. Dentist-prescribed overnight bleaching was shown to be the most effective method of bleaching.

This study evaluated the degree of color change of teeth, the rebound effect and the sensitivities of teeth and gingiva associated with the use of an in-office bleaching agent followed by an at-home bleaching agent to lighten stained teeth in an in vivo study. Thirty-seven subjects who met the Inclusion/Exclusion criteria were divided into two cells. Twenty-five subjects received three 15-minute in-office bleaching treatments in succession with 36% hydrogen peroxide (HP) on the maxillary anterior teeth, followed by at-home overnight bleaching with 15% carbamide peroxide (CP) for seven days on one side of the dental arch. Twelve other subjects received a 40-minute in-office bleaching treatment on their maxillary anterior teeth, followed by at-home overnight bleaching for seven days on one side of the dental arch with the same product. The cells of teeth on the other side of the dental arch received the same in-office treatment but were not bleached overnight for seven days. Color was subjectively evaluated using the Vitapan Classical Shade Guide and was objectively evaluated using the Chroma Meter at the baseline appointment, immediately after in-office bleaching and at 4, 7 and 14 days and 3 months after the in-office treatment. For two weeks, the subjects completed sensitivity evaluations of gingival tissues and hard tooth tissues. The cells that did not receive the at-home bleaching had significantly less color change than the cells that received at-home bleaching. The cell that was bleached for 40 minutes and received the at-home treatment had significantly less overall change (deltaE) at 14 days and 3 months than the cell that received three 15-minute treatments with the at-home treatment. Throughout the study, the subjects in the three 15-minute treatment cells had less gingival and tooth sensitivity than the other cells.

This study evaluated the morphological effects produced in vivo by two in-office bleaching agents on enamel surface roughness using a noncontact profilometric analysis of epoxy replicas. The null hypothesis tested was that there would be no difference in the micromorphology of the enamel surface during or after bleaching with two different bleaching agents. Eighteen subjects were selected and randomly assigned to two treatment groups (n=9). The tooth whitening materials tested were 38% hydrogen peroxide (HP) (Opalescence Xtra Boost) and 35% carbamide peroxide (CP) (Rembrandt Quik Start). The bleaching agents were applied in accordance with manufacturer protocols. The treatments were repeated four times at one-week intervals. High precision impressions of the upper right incisor were taken at baseline as the control (CTRL) and after each bleaching treatment (T0: first application, T1: second application at one week, T2: third application at two weeks and T3: fourth application at three weeks). Epoxy resin replicas were poured from impressions, and the surface roughness was analyzed by means of a non-contact profilometer (Talysurf CLI 1000). Epoxy replicas were then observed using SEM. All data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and differences were determined with a t-test. No significant differences in surface roughness were found on enamel replicas using either 38% hydrogen peroxide or 35% carbamide peroxide in vivo. This in vivo study supports the null hypothesis that two in-office bleaching agents, with either a high concentration of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, do not alter enamel surface roughness, even after multiple applications.

The antimicrobial and anticariogenic properties of a copper varnish (experimental mixture of Doc's Best Red Copper cement and Copalite varnish, Cooley and Cooley, Ltd, Houston, TX, USA: designated in this study as "Copper Seal") on the root surface were evaluated in an in vitro microbial caries model. Fifty-six human root specimens were prepared from anterior teeth and randomly divided into four groups: Groups 1 and 3-Copper Seal; Group 2-chlorhexidine varnish, the positive control (Cervitec, Ivolcar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and Group 4-a negative control that received no treatment. The varnishes were painted in Groups 1, 2 and 3, then visually removed after 24 hours in Group 1. The specimens were demineralized in a microbial caries model for five days. Plaque was collected from the specimens to obtain bacterial colonization numbers, then the specimens were sectioned and analyzed for lesion extent using Confocal Laser Scanning microscopy. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) among the four groups in terms of bacterial count. Regarding caries lesion development, the group with copper varnish visually removed (Group 1) and the non-treated group (Group 4) had significantly greater total area caries lesions and total lesion fluorescence than the copper varnish without removal group (Group 3) and the chlorhexidine group (Group 2). Therefore, it was concluded that copper and chlorhexidine varnishes have anticariogenic effects on root surfaces, as tested in this model.

This study evaluated tooth whitening and sensitivity that occurred during and after 14 days of overnight bleaching with 15% carbamide peroxide gel with potassium nitrate and fluoride (Opalescence 15% PF, OP) and 16% carbamide peroxide with amorphous calcium phosphate (Nite White 16%, NW). Thirty-two subjects bleached their teeth using custom trays. The subjects had a baseline evaluation and returned after 7, 14, 21, 35 and 90 days for subjective and objective color evaluations. The subjects also recorded daily tooth and gingival sensitivity. The treatments were compared for differences in mean L*, a*, b* and shade guide rank order at baseline and each appointment thereafter, using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). OP and NW showed significant tooth whitening. Subjects using OP were significantly lighter in b* and E* than those using NW, while exhibiting no difference in tooth or gingival sensitivity overall or during any evaluation.

Purpose: This clinical evaluation compared a neutral sodium fluoridated whitening product to a neutral non-fluoridated whitening product in terms their effects on human enamel surface microhardness (SMH) and human enamel/resin composite shear bond strength (SBS) following various treatment times., Materials and Methods: Subjects were evaluated for enamel SMH and enamel/resin SBS following 15% carbamide peroxide (CP) with and without potassium nitrate and fluoride (PF). Twenty subjects (80 first or second premolars), who were treatment-planned for premolar extraction due to orthodontic therapy, were allocated into two groups, A and B. Group A received 15% CP, while Group B received 15% CP with PF. Each patient had a control tooth, a 14-day treatment + 14-day recovery tooth, a 14-day treatment + no recovery tooth and a 4-day + no recovery tooth. Each tooth was further divided into two testing surfaces; the facial surface was used for SMH, while the lingual surface was used for SBS., Results: The results of this study determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the effects of the two products on SMH and enamel/resin SBS. Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference between the treatment specimens compared to the controls in terms of SMH. However, there was a significant difference between the treatment groups compared to the controls in terms of enamel/resin SBS., Conclusion: Within the limitations of this clinical study, 15% CP with and without PF does not seem to alter the SMH of human enamel. However, 15% CP with and without PF significantly reduced enamel/resin SBS immediately following tooth whitening therapy, up to 14 days post-treatment.

This in vivo pilot study evaluated eight products with hydrogen peroxide (HP) concentrations ranging from 15% to 35%. The treatment contact time varied from 15 minutes to 60 minutes. Patients were evaluated for color at baseline, immediately after treatment and at one, two, four and six weeks after treatment using a colorimeter, shade guide and photos. All eight products were effective in bleaching teeth. Colorimeter data for deltaE immediately after treatment was 6.77. At one and six weeks after bleaching, there were 51% and 65% reductions in deltaE, respectively.

Bleaching tetracycline-stained teeth is the most challenging form of tooth lightening. This article reports on 44 subjects who bleached their tetracycline-stained teeth for 6 months using trays with reservoirs overnight in a half-mouth designed study and 2 of 3 different concentrations of carbamide peroxide (10%, 15% or 20%). The subjects were followed for 5 years. The area evaluated was the middle third of the teeth. More than 55% of tooth lightening occurred within 1 month; after 5 years, more than 65% of the maximum tooth whitening remained for all 3 gel concentrations. Tooth whitening can be accomplished with any of the 3 concentrations used.

In this laboratory study, the microtensile bond strengths of a conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) and a resin modified glass ionomer cement (CRMGIC) to artificially created carious dentin and sound dentin were compared, and the ultrastructural morphology of the fractured interface was examined with a low-vacuum scanning electron microscope (SEM). The specimens were divided into 4 groups: 1) a conventional GIC (Ketac-Fil Plus Aplicap) placed on sound dentin; 2) a conventional GIC placed on artificially created carious dentin; 3) an RMGIC (Photac-Fil Aplicap) placed on sound dentin and 4) an RMGIC placed on artificially created carious dentin. Artificial carious lesions were created using a chemical demineralizing solution of 0.1 M/L lactic acid and 0.2% carbopol. GIC buildups were made on the dentin surfaces according to the manufacturer's directions. After storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours, the teeth were sectioned vertically into 1 x 1 x 8-mm beams for the microtensile bond strength test. The microtensile bond strength of each specimen was measured, and failure mode was determined using an optical microscope (40x). The fractured surfaces were further examined with SEM. Two-way analysis of variance showed that the mean microtensile bond strengths of a GIC and an RMGIC to carious dentin were significantly lower than those to sound dentin, and the mean microtensile bond strengths of Photac-Fil to both sound and carious dentin were significantly higher than those of Ketac-Fil Plus. Chi-square tests indicated that there was a significant difference in failure mode between the sound dentin and carious dentin groups. In sound dentin groups, cohesive failure in GIC was pre- dominant; whereas, mixed failure was predominant in carious dentin groups. SEM examination showed that the specimens determined to be cohesive failures under light microscopy in the Photac-Fil/Sound Dentin group were actually mixed failures under high magnification of SEM.

This study evaluated the degree of color change of teeth and the sensitivities of teeth and gums in an in vivo study. Ranir Whitening Wraps (WW2) and Crest Whitestrips Premium (WP2) were used twice a day and Ranir Whitening Wraps (WW1) were used once a day. Color evaluations occurred at baseline, after five and seven-day use of bleaching agent and 14 days post-bleaching. Color change was evaluated objectively and subjectively. Sensitivity evaluations were also accomplished. Seventy-six of the 78 subjects enrolled completed the study. All three products significantly lightened teeth. WW2 lightened more than WP2 and WW1 in L*, a*, b*, E and shade guide value. WP2 lightened more than WW1 in a*, b*, E and shade guide value. There was no difference in tooth sensitivity, but WW1 and WP2 caused less gingival sensitivity than WW2. The mean age of smokers was seven years younger than nonsmokers who qualified.

The anti-cariogenic properties of three fluoride-releasing materials on root surfaces were evaluated using two different caries models. Standardized cavities were prepared in dentin specimens and restored with either glass-ionomer, resin-modified glass-ionomer, polyacid-modified resin composite or resin composite material. Two groups of 56 specimens were demineralized using a microbial caries model for three days, while another 56 specimens were demineralized using a chemical demineralization model for three days. Lesions around the restorations were measured with a confocal laser scanning microscope. Glass ionomers demonstrated significant anti-cariogenic properties when exposed to the chemical model. However, no significant anti-cariogenic properties were observed with the microbial caries model. In conclusion, the fluoride releasing materials showed different anti-cariogenic properties in root surfaces under the different caries models, suggesting that caution should be exercised when trying to extrapolate the results of in vitro studies to the clinical situation.

This study evaluated the histological changes in dental pulp after nightguard vital bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide gel. Fifteen patients between 12 and 26 years of age with caries-free first premolars scheduled for orthodontic extraction were treated with 10% Opalescence (Ultradent Products, Inc). Tooth #5 had four days of bleaching, tooth #12 was treated for two weeks, tooth #21 was bleached for two weeks followed by two weeks without treatment and tooth #28, serving as the control, was without treatment. All teeth were extracted at the same time. Immediately after extraction, 4 mm of the most apical portion of the root was sectioned off and each specimen was placed in a vial containing 10% neutral buffered formalin. The samples were prepared for histological evaluation at the Scandinavian Institute of Dental Materials (NIOM) and microscopically examined independently at both NIOM and Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD). Pulp reactions were semi-quantitatively graded as none, slight, moderate and severe. Slight pulpal changes were detected in 16 of the 45 bleached teeth. Neither moderate nor severe reactions were observed. The findings indicate that the slight histological changes sometimes observed after bleaching tend to resolve within two weeks post-treatment. Statistical differences existed only between the untreated control and the four-day (p=0.0109) and two-week (p=0.0045) treatment groups. The findings from this study demonstrated that nightguard vital bleaching procedures using 10% carbamide peroxide might cause initial mild, localized pulp reactions. However, the minor histological changes observed did not affect the overall health of the pulp tissue and were reversible within two weeks post-treatment. Therefore, two weeks of treatment with 10% carbamide peroxide used for nightguard vital bleaching is considered safe for dental pulp.

Background: A new restorative called a "giomer composite" has been introduced. The authors conducted a study to determine retention, anatomical form, caries, staining, marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, surface roughness and sensitivity of giomer compared with those of a microfilled composite., Methods: The authors placed 40 sets of restorations randomly in canines and premolars in vivo. They used a giomer composite and a microfilled composite in erosion/abrasion/abfraction Class V lesions that were not altered with rotary instruments. They placed the restorations according to manufacturer's recommendations, and two calibrated examiners evaluated the restorations independently using modified U.S. Public Health Service criteria at baseline and at six, 18 and 36 months. The lesions receiving the restorations did not differ from each other in the amount of circumferential enamel present, the percentage of the surface area of dentin or lesion type., Results: There were no differences in the restorations at baseline, an evaluation made two weeks after placement. At 36 months, the giomer and microfilled composite restorations were not significantly different from one another in any of the eight criteria evaluated. The percentage agreement between examiners was at least 83 percent for each criterion in each evaluation period., Conclusions: Both the giomer and the microfilled composite used in this study meet the clinical portion of the Acceptance Program Guidelines for Dentin and Enamel Adhesives Materials established by the American Dental Association., Clinical Implications: Both the giomer and the microfilled composite used in this study can be used with confidence in Class V lesions.

This half-mouth design, two-week treatment phase, combined with an 11-week evaluation double-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare two in-office bleaching products, StarBrite (35% hydrogen peroxide) with Opalescence Xtra Boost (38% hydrogen peroxide), for degree of color change of teeth, any relapse effect (darkening) associated with discontinued use and gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity associated with use. The degree of color change and relapse was evaluated by using a colorimeter, shade guide and color slide photographs. Participants self-evaluated their gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity. They recorded daily the level of gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity experienced during the first three weeks of the study. The results of this study showed no statistical difference between products during active treatment periods and any follow-up visits using the three-color evaluation methods. Color relapse began after the bleaching treatments were finished and continued until the fifth week, after which no further significant changes appeared. Also, there was no statistical difference in gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity between the products.

This in vivo study determined the kinetics of 3% hydrogen peroxide in a bleaching gel within the first hour. The material used in this study was 3% hydrogen peroxide gel (Perfecta 3/15, Premier Dental Products Co) and the study involved 10 subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each subject wore the tray with gel six different times on separate days. Evaluation of the remaining amount of hydrogen peroxide was calculated by the method stated in US Pharmacopoeia. The study results indicate that the mean percentage of hydrogen peroxide recovered for 5, 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 minutes was 61, 56, 49, 44, 38 and 32, respectively. The amount of hydrogen peroxide in the saliva sample after one hour was 0.42 mg. Excluding the first 10 minutes, the kinetics of hydrogen peroxide in the tray and teeth sample was exponential.

In recent years, many dental professionals have changed their philosophy regarding the use of trays with at-home bleaching regimens. However, facts do not change--and successful vital tooth bleaching still occurs only when tooth surfaces are in direct contact with the appropriate concentration of active whitening agent for a specific amount of time. Because the science of tooth whitening is still in its infancy--this article reviews a series of remaining questions regarding vital tooth bleaching based on current scientific information and research findings on products using trays.

This three-month, single-blind clinical study compared two whitening treatments, at-home with 10% carbamide peroxide and in-office with 35% hydrogen peroxide, for the degree of color change of teeth, color relapse and tooth and gum sensitivity. The degree of color change and color relapse was evaluated by using a colorimeter, shade guide and color slide photography. Teeth and gum sensitivity were self-evaluated by the subjects, who recorded daily the tooth and gum sensitivity they experienced during the two weeks of treatment and one week post-treatment. A 14-day at-home treatment was compared with 60 minutes of in-office treatment (two appointments, each with three 10-minute applications). The at-home treatment produced significantly lighter teeth than the in-office treatment during all active-treatment periods and follow-up visits according to all three-color evaluation methods. Color relapse for both treatments stabilized by six weeks. At-home treatment resulted in statistically significant higher gum sensitivity than in-office treatment during the latter part of the first week. For tooth sensitivity there were no significant differences between the treatments. Eighty four percent of the subjects reported at-home treatment to be more effective and 16% found no difference between the treatments. There were no subjects who reported the in-office treatment to be superior in tooth whitening to the at-home treatment.

This paper describes a technique of placing a semi-rigid cervical matrix slightly past the cervical border of a lesion that extends below (apical to) the gingival crest and inserting the glass ionomer cement through an opening cut in the matrix above the soft tissue level.

This study determined the degradation of nine bleaching agents with different concentrations after two hours in vivo following the manufacturers' recommendations. The nine carbamide peroxide products are 10%, 15% and 20% Opalescence, 10%, 15% and 22% Rembrandt and 10%, 16% and 22% Nite White Excel 2. Each subject wore the tray with the bleaching agent for two hours on three separate occasions. The amount of remaining carbamide peroxide was determined after each use. Evaluation of remaining amount of carbamide peroxide was calculated by the US Pharmacopeia method. The study showed that the total carbamide peroxide percent recovered was significantly higher for Opalescence products (47% to 54%) compared to Nite White (22% to 25%) and Rembrandt bleaching gels (15% to 16%). It concluded that this difference was mostly due to the use of facial reservoirs with Opalescence products, and also that whitening gel in trays with reservoirs and trays without reservoirs degraded at the same rate.

This in vivo study evaluated the variation of tray fabrication (trays constructed with or without reservoirs) on the degree of color change of teeth and sensitivities associated with using a 15% carbamide peroxide bleaching agent for two hours once daily for 14 days. Patients returned in one, two, three, six and 12 weeks. Color changes were evaluated by subjective shade matching, comparing clinical photographs and through measurements obtained using a color-measuring device. Subjects were asked to keep a daily record of any tooth and gingival sensitivity on the right and left side of their maxillary dental arch for three weeks. Colorimeter data showed that teeth lightened with agent with reservoirs were significantly lighter than teeth lightened with the same agent without reservoirs. However, the amount of lightening was below the threshold of visual differentiation. Shade guide and slide photography data showed no significant differences between teeth lightened with agent with reservoirs compared to teeth lightened with the same agent without reservoirs. In addition, no significant differences in tooth and gingival sensitivity were found between the tray side with reservoirs and those without reservoirs.

The use of flowable composites as liners in Class II packable composites has been suggested by some manufacturers. However, the contributions of this technique are unproven. This study evaluated marginal microleakage in Class II packable composite restorations with and without the use of a flowable composite liner. A conventional microhybrid composite was used as a control. Microleakage at occlusal and gingival margins of Class II cavities was evaluated using 45Ca and autoradiographs. Fifty non-carious, restoration-free human molar teeth were used. Separate mesio-occlusal and disto-occlusal Class II cavity preparations were made in each tooth. Gingival margins of all cavities were placed 1 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Four Packable composites (Alert, Surefil, Pyramid and Solitaire) and one conventional microhybrid composite (Renew) with their respective manufacturer's bonding agents were used to restore the cavities. One side of each tooth was restored with composite alone, while the other side was restored with the composite lined with that manufacturer's flowable liner. The restored teeth were thermally stressed and 45Ca was used to evaluate microleakage. Two independent evaluators scored leakage based on the autoradiographs. The results showed flowable composites helped reduce microleakage at gingival margins of Class II restorations (p < 0.05). Gingival margins had higher microleakage than occlusal margins (p < 0.05). Without flowable liners, three packable composites (Alert, Pyramid and Surefil) showed higher leakage (p < 0.05) than the microhybrid control. Only Solitaire packable composite without liner showed no significant difference in microleakage to the control (p > 0.05). Although the flowable liners help reduce microleakage, Alert and Pyramid packable composites with liners still showed higher leakage than the control (p < 0.05). Surefil and Solitaire packable composites with flowable liners showed no significant difference in microleakage (p > 0.05) to the control.

Background: Vital tooth bleaching for esthetic reasons has gained in popularity during the last few years. However, few studies have investigated the efficacy of daytime bleaching products. The purpose of this double-blind in vivo study was to evaluate the efficacy of 20 percent carbamide peroxide, or CP, and 7.5 percent hydrogen peroxide, or HP, during daytime use. The degree of color change, any color relapse, and tooth or gingival sensitivity were evaluated., Methods: Twenty-four patients participated in this study. The bleaching gels were randomly applied to the right and left maxillary anterior teeth. Patients were shown how to place the two bleaching agents in a custom tray for one hour, twice a day for two weeks. Patients returned in one, two, three, six and 12 weeks for color evaluation with the colorimeter and shade guides as well as to have color slide photographs taken. The authors evaluated sensitivity by asking the patients to record daily for 21 days any tooth or gingival sensitivity they experienced., Results: Use of the 20 percent CP resulted in significantly more lightness than the 7.5 percent HP during the first 14 days of the study, but at the end of the study, there was no significant difference between products with regard to tooth lightness. In addition, the authors found no statistically significant difference between products with regard to gingival or tooth sensitivity., Conclusions: Both CP and HP are effective at-home bleaching agents when daytime bleaching is preferred., Clinical Implications: Dentists who choose to use daytime bleaching can select either CP or HP.

This article will address the breakdown or lowering of active bleaching agent concentration during use in the mouth. A greater than expected degradation occurs during the first 5 minutes followed by an exponential rate loss. Subjects have a large variation in degradation rates. After 2 and 6 hours there was 52% and 24% respectively, of the active agent present in a carbamide peroxide gel. The presence or absence of the pellicle did not affect the rate of degradation. The relationship of gel degradation to the whitening capability of a gel is yet to be determined.

The viewing of oral structures with an adequate level of illumination is necessary to make accurate diagnoses of normalities and abnormalities in the oral cavity. The purpose of this study is to determine if a device with an illuminated mirror is heat sterilizable, easy to use, and compares in illumination potential to a traditional overhead dental operating light. We sterilized the Denlite in both chemical vapor and autoclave units (including a group that was cleaned ultrasonically prior to autoclave), testing the illuminance level every 10 cycles, for 100 cycles. We installed devices in the Graduate Operative Dentistry Clinic and requested those operators assigned to the units to rate the devices. Their acceptance rate was high in visibility, ease of use, acceptable temperature of handle, and lack of problems with the device. The device had an illuminance level of 14,200 lux, which is just below the maximum level of illuminance required by the American Dental Association's Specification on Dental Operating Lights.

Background: The purpose of the study described here was to determine the in vivo degradation rate of 10 percent carbamide peroxide, or CP, gel in bleaching trays. The degradation rate indicates the remaining concentration of the active agent on the facial surfaces at various intervals., Methods: The researchers fabricated bleaching trays with 0.5-millimeter reservoirs and loaded them with a 10 percent CP whitening gel. The tray was seated in place in 15 patients for six different intervals that ranged from 15 seconds to 10 hours. When the tray was removed, three samples were collected from each patient: the gel remaining in the tray; the adherent gel scraped from the teeth; and a "grab" sample from the reservoir of tooth no. 8. The researchers analyzed these samples for CP according to the method specified by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention., Results: The percentage of CP recovered decreased as the intervals increased: 87 percent at 15 seconds, 10 percent at 10 hours. Log of tray, teeth and grab samples, respectively, at 15 seconds were 0.94, 0.98 and 0.96 and at 10 hours were -0.13, -0.38 and 0.11. The first-hour degradation rate for tray, teeth and grab samples, respectively, was 2.0 times, 3.6 times and one time the rate during the next nine hours. The within-subject repeatability of the samples was excellent., Conclusions: The degradation rate of CP during the bleaching process is biexponential. In the tray and teeth samples, the degradation rate was accelerated during the first hour. Further research is needed to determine the cause of this acceleration., Clinical Implications: The active agent in CP bleaching gel is available in bleaching trays for more than 10 hours. After two hours, more than 50 percent of the active agent is available, and 10 percent is available after 10 hours.

Thirty patients whose teeth had been bleached were given one of two toothpastes. One half of the group brushed with a toothpaste containing 10% carbamide peroxide (DW) and the other half with a toothpaste containing 3% hydrogen peroxide (HP) for three months. Color change from baseline was evaluated after 4 weeks and again after 12 weeks, using a shade guide and measured with a colorimeter at baseline. The DW toothpaste was able to stabilize the tooth-lightening effect of the bleaching gel better than the HP toothpaste. The HP product had a lower tooth sensitivity rating.

Objective: A 6-month, double-blind study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of a 10% carbamide peroxide gel designed for at-home tooth bleaching., Method and Materials: Sixty patients were randomized into two equal subgroups balanced by age, gender, and oral health status. Shade guide measurements, color transparency photographs, and colorimeter readings were taken and evaluated at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. The active phase of treatment lasted 14 days., Results: At 22 weeks postbleaching (week 24 of the study), patients receiving the active agent had a 14.1 rank order difference in the shade guide from baseline, and 66% had a clinically observable color change as determined by photographic assessment. They also had a measurable, statistically significant color change from baseline to 6 months of delta E* = 5.0. The tooth color of maxillary incisors stabilized at week 6 and maxillary canines at week 12. The mean color change lost from weeks 2 to 24 was 45% (in delta E*). Transient tissue and tooth sensitivity, noted in some patients, resolved after treatment was completed., Conclusion: The product tested is an effective and safe tooth-whitening agent.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the delay in setting times that occurs with selected brands of gloves or residual powder from those gloves on eight popular brands of vinyl polysiloxane putties., Materials and Methods: The putties were mixed and rolled into a round 3-inch-long cylinder without gloves on hand, with gloves on hand, and with powder residue on hands, immediately after degloving. The end of a cement spatula was drawn over the putty at various intervals with a force of 3 ounces. The setting time was recorded to be when no permanent indentation of the putty occurred., Results: All materials set within 5 minutes without gloved hands. Eighty-eight percent of the putties set within 5 minutes when mixed with Friction Grip Powder Free and Medical Gloves on hands. When mixed with Pharmaseal gloves on hands, 50% of the putties set in 5 minutes. When mixed with Micro-Touch Latex Medical Gloves, 38% of the putties set in 5 minutes. When the putties were mixed with the residual powders left on ungloved hands, the same results occurred with the above-mentioned gloves. With residual powder on hands from Natraflex and Medical Exam Tex, 25% of the putties set in 5 minutes., Conclusions: Gloved hands interfered with the setting of more brands of putties than did residual powder on hands immediately after degloving. There are gloves available that do not interfere with the setting of most of the vinyl polysiloxane putties.

Three restorative materials used for cervical erosion /abrasion lesions were evaluated clinically after 10 years. Thirty adult patients with at least four cervical lesions received one restoration of each of Ketac-Fil, finished immediately, Ketac-Fil, finished after a delay, Chelon-FIl (all glass-ionomer cements), and Cervident (a resin composite). Restorations were placed without any tooth preparations. Eighteen patients returned for their 10-year examinations. Two experienced examiners provided the periodic evaluations. Complete retention at 10 years was 83% for Ketac-Fil, finished immediately; 78% for Ketac-Fil, finished after a delay; 67% for Chelon-Fil; and 17% for Cervident. All three glass-ionomer restorative materials exhibited statistically significantly greater retention that did Cervident. When a noninvasive procedure is desired, glass-ionomer materials are the restorative material of choice for abrasion/erosion lesions because of their long-term retention values.

At least four cervical erosion/abrasion lesions were restored with glass ionomer materials in 30 patients. Some restorations were finished in 15 minutes, and some were finished 24 hours after placement. No significant differences were found after five years.