Influence of polishing after bleaching on color change, enamel surface morphology and sensitivity: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Objective This trial evaluated the influence of polishing on enamel color change after in-office bleaching treatment. In addition, it evaluated the influence of polishing on tooth morphology and sensitivity. Materials and methods Fifty volunteers were randomized into two groups (n = 25): In-office bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide gel for 45 min without polishing (GSEM) or with polishing (GP). The color analysis was performed four times, at baseline, and immediately after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd session of bleaching with Easyshade spectrophotometer (Vita-Zahnfabrik), using the CIELAB (ΔE) and CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) formulas, and whiteness index (ΔWID). A qualitative analysis of enamel morphology was performed using replicas obtained with epoxy resin observed in a scanning electron microscope (277× and 554× magnification). The tooth sensitivity was assessed daily using the visual analog scale (α = 0.05). Results There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in tooth color change when comparing ΔE, ΔE00, and ΔWID between groups. The enamel surface showed greater areas of irregularities and depressions in the GP group than in the GSEM group. There was no difference in tooth sensitivity (p > 0.05) between groups. Conclusions Polishing after in-office tooth whitening does not change the tooth color and sensitivity and promotes greater changes in enamel surface morphology. Clinical relevance: Polishing immediately after tooth whitening causes greater changes in enamel surface morphology.