In-office dental bleaching with light vs. without light: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A selection of abstracts of clinically relevant papers from other journals. The abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Reena Wadia

Abstract

Activation of in-office bleaching gel with light does not improve colour change nor affect tooth sensitivity.

Maran BM et al. J Dent 2018; 70: 1–13

Main

This review explored whether light-activated in-office vital bleaching had a greater whitening efficacy and higher tooth sensitivity than in-office vital bleaching without the use of a light. A literature search was performed in 2016-17. Twenty-one randomised clinical trials were included. Using the random effects model, a meta-analysis with a subgroup analysis was conducted for colour change as well as the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity. No significant difference in colour change (as per a spectrophotometer and/shade guide units) and risk or intensity of tooth sensitivity was observed. For colour change as per a spectrophotometer and risk of tooth sensitivity, the quality of the evidence was graded as moderate whereas the evidence for color change in shade guide units and intensity of tooth sensitivity was graded as very low and low, respectively. The activation of in-office bleaching gel with light does not seem to improve colour change or affect tooth sensitivity, regardless of the hydrogen peroxide concentration.