remember whitening is not always the treatment….

One of the common side effects of bleaching vital teeth is tooth and gingival sensitivity to changes. Several new bleaching products have been marketed to address this problem. This study evaluated three commercially-available products to identify their incidence of sensitivity (involving teeth and soft tissues) and efficacy of whitening. Eighteen patients were divided into three groups of six each. Each of thegroups was treated for two weeks with one of the following whitening agents: NiteWhite Excel 2Z (Discus Dental), fx (Challenge Products), and Rembrandt Xtra-Comfort (Den-Mat). Patients kept a daily diary to record sensitivity and the first day they noticed a whitening effect. Shade change and tooth sensitivity were evaluated at recall appointments at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Results indicated that the two products marketed as zero-sensitivity bleaches (NiteWhite Excel 2Z and Rembrandt Xtra-Comfort) produced no teeth sensitivity and were significantly different in this regard from fx. All produced a statistically similar degree of soft tissue sensitivity. All three were found to be effective whiteners, producing an average shade guide change of 8. The authors concluded that of the three products, none was sensitivity free, but NiteWhite Excel 2Z and Rembrandt Xtra-Comfort (the zero sensitivity products) did not produce thermal sensitivity. All produced a similar change in shade tab value.

A very common side effect of vital tooth bleaching is transient sensitivity of the teeth and/or soft tissues. Fortunately, the sensitivity is dose-related and transient. Regardless, it is frustrating for patients and enough of an annoyance to dissuade some from finishing treatment. Recently, manufacturers have added potassium nitrate an/or fluoride in an attempt to reduce sensitivity. This study indicates that these products are at least effective at reducing the incidence of thermally-related tooth sensitivity, while retaining their effectiveness at tooth whitening. Practitioners should note that they do not reduce soft tissue sensitivity, so patients should be advised that they may experience transient gingival, tongue, or throat sensitivity with these products.

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