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The 2013 meeting of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) was held recently in Seattle, Washington, bringing thousands of professionals together to represent and communicate recent oral health research findings. Among the many topics discussed was that of the ever-so-popular teeth whitening process. More specifically, two different studies of the efficacy of such products were presented. According to a recent article (“Teeth-whitening products put to the test at IADR”), the following represents a quick summary of each.
The first study compared Zoom WhiteSpeed (Philips) and Opalescence Boost (Ultradent) and was conducted by researchers from Philips and the Center for Dental Research at Loma Linda University in California. A group of 136 subjects were split in half and randomly given one product or the other to use. Researchers measured the baseline, postbleaching, and day-seven scores after participants used their product as directed. A tooth sensitivity questionnaire was also collected and an oral tissue exam was conducted. According to researchers, both products were effective in whitening teeth; however Zoom WhiteSpeed showed greater color change than Opalescence. The study was partially funded by Philips Oral Healthcare.
The second study was conducted by the department of endodontics and restorative dentistry at the Peking University School of Stomatology and the Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Researchers were looking to compare the efficiency of take-home and in-office whitening products using 30 third molars. The teeth were separated into three groups and stained with a coffee, tea, fruit juice mixture. One group had the enamel exposed, one had pulpal dentin exposed, and the third exposed both. After a cleaning, teeth were sectioned into halves and assigned to an in-office or take-home treatment plan. All teeth were treated until the desired shade was reached. The in-office group was treated for 12 minutes each, while the take-home experienced six hours of treatment. To reach the desired shade, in-office whitening took two sessions, for a total of 24 minutes, and take-home treatments took six sessions, for a total of 36 hours.
Many individuals who seek to whiten their teeth fear that they can’t afford to have them professionally treated, and instead, opt to purchase over-the-counter products. While these products do indeed work, clearly in-office treatment is far more efficient than take-home. The cost of over-the-counter products appear cheaper, however one can only assume that several “kits” would need to be purchased in order to reach the desired shade. Both time and money can be saved with professional treatments. At Miami Dental Sedation Spa, Dr. Sanchez and Dr. Vidal use the superior Zoom WhiteSpeed technology to give you the best results possible in as little time as necessary. Contact our office today to discuss how we can help you achieve the bright, white smile of your dreams!
