Effects of violet radiation and nonthermal atmospheric plasma on the mineral contents of enamel during in-office dental bleaching

Randomized clinical trial comparing the violet light emitting diode system and other tooth whitening techniques

AIM

to evaluate, through a clinical trial, the effectiveness and sensitivity of tooth whitening techniques using violet light emitting diodes (LED), comparing with other whitening techniques.

METHODOLOGY

75 patients were selected to undergo tooth whitening, randomly distributed into five different treatment groups: G1 (35% hydrogen peroxide), G2 (35% hydrogen peroxide + Green LED), G3 (35% hydrogen peroxide at 35% + Blue LED), G4 (35% hydrogen peroxide + Violet LED) and G5 (Violet LED). Sensitivity measurement was recorded using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10; tooth color measurement was performed before (T0) and after 30 days of whitening treatment (T1) using Easyshade Advance 4.0 Vita-Wilcos® dental spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher and Kruskal-Wallis exact test at significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

the enamel whitening effect was observed in all groups, with significant changes in G1. With regard to sensitivity, no statistically significant differences were found between groups.

CONCLUSION

In G5, no participant reported post-whitening sensitivity, suggesting that treatment with violet LED showed the best sensitivity outcomes, changing the enamel color one more tone on the color scale.

Maintenance of enamel properties after bleaching with high-concentrated hydrogen-peroxide gel containing calcium polyphosphate sub-microparticles

OBJECTIVE

To assessed the physical and chemical properties of human-enamel after treatment with an experimental bleaching gel containing 35%-hydrogen peroxide (HP) and calcium polyphosphate sub-microparticles (CaPP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Enamel/dentin specimens (4 × 4 × 3 mm) were obtained (n = 120) and allocated to different groups: control (saliva only); experimental (HP35%); commercial (whiteness-HP-Maxx); CaPP0.5% (HP35% + CaPP0.5wt%); CaPP1.5% (HP35% + CaPP1.5wt%). Three sessions were performed. The specimens' color was assessed using a spectrophotometer and the color (ΔE/ΔE00) and bleaching index (ΔWID) determined. The surface roughness and microhardness were assessed with a roughness tester and Knoop indenter. Raman spectroscopy was performed to obtain the ratios between the areas under the 431, 580, and 1070 cm-1 and the 960 cm-1 bands (430:960, 580:960, 1070:960). Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn compared the color, Ra, and SMH data. The Raman data was analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn (α = 5%).

RESULTS

The ΔE, ΔE00, and ΔWID were similar among the bleached groups (p > 0.05). The roughness was not different between the groups (p > 0.05). After the 3rd session, CaPP0.5% had higher microhardness than the experimental (p < 0.05). The 1070:960 was higher in the experimental than in the CaPP1.5% and control (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In human enamel, CaPP did not alter the bleaching effectiveness or roughness, and additionally, CaPP-containing gels increased the microhardness and preserved the mineral content when compared to the experimental without CaPP.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Experimental bleaching gels containing calcium polyphosphate sub-microparticles as a mineral source reduce the mineral content alteration and superficial microhardness reduction, known potential side effects of the in-office bleaching treatments.

Influence of violet LED and fluoride-containing carbamide peroxide bleaching gels on early-stage eroded/abraded teeth

PURPOSE

This study evaluated enamel with early-stage erosion/abrasion following bleaching with 20% and 45% carbamide peroxide (CP) gels containing fluoride (F) and irradiated with violet LED (LED).

METHODS

Enamel blocks were immersed in 1% citric acid (5 min) and artificial saliva (120 min) three times to produce early-stage enamel erosion. Simulated toothbrushing was performed only after the first saliva immersion, to provoke enamel abrasion. The erosive/abraded enamel samples were submitted to (n=10): LED/CP20, CP20, LED/CP20_F, CP20_F, LED/CP45, CP45, LED/CP45_F, CP45_F, LED, and control (without treatment). The pH of the gels was assessed, and color (ΔE₀₀) and whiteness index (ΔWI_D) changes were calculated after cycling (T₁), and 7 days from bleaching (T₂). Enamel surface roughness average (Ra) and Knoop microhardness (kg/mm², %SHR) were evaluated at baseline (T₀) at T₁ and T_2. Scanning electron microscopy evaluated the enamel surface morphology at T₂.

RESULTS

The gels' pH was neutral and CP20 and CP45 exhibited no differences in ΔE₀₀ and ΔWI_D (p>0.05) but LED increased these parameters for CP20_F and CP45. Erosion/abrasion significantly decreased mean kg/mm², and the LED group was the only one not increasing microhardness after bleaching (p>0.05). None of the groups fully recovered the initial microhardness. All groups exhibited %SHR similar to the control (p>0.05) and the increase in Ra was detected only after erosion/abrasion. CP20_F groups exhibited a more preserved enamel morphology.

CONCLUSION

Light irradiation combined with low-concentrated CP gel promoted a bleaching effect comparable to the high-concentrated CP. The bleaching protocols did not adversely impact the surface of early-stage eroded/abraded enamel.

Novel Experimental In-Office Bleaching Gels Containing Co-Doped Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

The present study reports on the development and testing of novel bleaching agents containing co-doped metaloxide nanoparticles (NP; 0%, 5%, 10% v/w) and hydrogen peroxide (HP, 0%, 6%, 15%, and 35%). Bovine blocks (n = 200, A = 36 mm2) were obtained and randomly distributed into experimental groups (n = 10/group). NPs were incorporated into gels before bleaching (3 sessions, 7 days apart, 30 min/session, irradiated with violet light-LT). Color changes (ΔE00, ΔWID), mineral content (CO32−, PO43−), and topography were assessed (spectrophotometer, ATR-FTIR, and AFM) before and after bleaching procedures (14 days). Metabolic status and three-dimensional components of non-disrupted Streptococcus mutans biofilms were investigated using a multimode reader and confocal microscopy. The results indicate that ΔE00 and ΔWID significantly increased with NPs’ concentrations and LT. The enamel’s mineral ratio was adversely impacted by HP, but alterations were less pronounced when using NP-containing gels. The enamel’s topography was not damaged by the bleaching protocols tested. The bioluminescence results show that bleaching protocols do not render latent antibacterial properties to enamel, and the confocal microscopy results demonstrate that the 3-dimensional distribution of the components was affected by the protocols. The proposed nanotechnology improved the bleaching efficacy of experimental materials independent of hydrogen peroxide or irradiation and did not adversely impact the enamel’s surface properties or its chemical content.

Effectiveness of Violet LED alone or in association with bleaching gel during dental photobleaching: A Systematic Review

AIMS

To conduct a systematic review to determine the efficacy of violet led in promoting dental bleaching itself or accelerating dental bleaching when associated with peroxides.

METHODS

Clinical and in vitro studies were identified by a search on November 27th 2020 in the PubMed and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria were: 1) studies related to bleaching; 2) studies related to violet LED Light (405-410nm); and 3) studies that analyzed efficacy. The authors assessed the studies for risk of bias independently. Authors extracted outcomes including color change evaluation and pain assessment independently.

RESULTS

During the search process, 895 articles were found in the previously cited databases. After the first screening consisting of title and abstract evaluations, 18 articles were selected. Finally, 13 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review, being 5 clinical trial/case series and 8 in vitro studies. In vitro studies showed a high risk of bias and interventional studies showed a low risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

The violet Led seems to have the potential to bleach teeth without peroxides, with a clinical perceptible color alteration. However, the effect is small in comparison to bleaching using peroxides. When Violet Led is used in association with peroxides, it seems to potentialize the bleaching result. However, due to the high heterogeneity between studies, a small number of clinical studies, and the high risk of bias of the in vitro included studies, the results are not definitive, and further well-designed studies are needed to reach safe evidence.

Characterization and effectiveness of a violet LED light for in-office whitening

OBJECTIVES

This study characterized a violet LED light (V-LED; bright max whitening) tooth whitening device and evaluated its efficacy on stained enamel compared to hydrogen peroxide (HP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Characterization of the V-LED beam profile was performed using a laser beam-profiler. The irradiance was measured throughout an exposure cycle at 0- and 8-mm distances using an integrating sphere and a spectral radiometer. Bovine enamel/dentin blocks stained with black tea (BT), cigarette smoke (CS), or without staining (CONT) were subjected to V-LED or 40% HP (n = 10/group). Color parameters (ΔL, Δa, Δb, and ΔE₀₀) were measured using a digital spectrophotometer. Light transmission was estimated through 1-mm-thick bovine enamel slices (n = 5). ΔL, Δb, ΔE₀₀, and irradiance were analyzed by two-way ANOVAs and Tukey's tests, Δa by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, and light transmission by t-test (α = 5%).

RESULTS

Heterogeneous beam distribution was observed for the emitting V-LED chips. After 20 sequential exposures, irradiance levels were reduced 25-50%, regardless of the distance from V-LED. Localized irradiance values were statistically different between beam locations and different distances from the target. V-LED produced lower ΔE_00, ΔL, Δa, and Δb values than HP for CONT and BT, with no differences for CS. Light transmittance decreased approximately 98% through 1-mm thick enamel.

CONCLUSIONS

V-LED irradiance was heterogeneous and decreased throughout the exposure cycles and was also greatly reduced with increasing tip distance. V-LED produced a significantly lower whitening effect on BT and control teeth.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study contributes to the knowledge of V-LED and its clinical use.

The influence of the renewal or the single application of the peroxide gel on the efficacy and tooth sensitivity outcomes of in-office bleaching-A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To answer the question: "Does the peroxide gel application regimen (single application vs. renewal) influence the efficacy and the tooth sensitivity outcomes of in-office tooth bleaching?"

METHODS

The search was done in Pubmed, Cochrane, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE in February 2021 (updated in July 2021). Randomized clinical trials (RCT) comparing the single application vs. the renewal protocols of HP were included. The meta-analyses were performed for the objective (ΔE_ab ), subjective (ΔSGU) color changes, and absolute risk of tooth sensitivity (TS). Heterogeneity was evaluated using Q test (I² ). Cochrane Collaboration tool assessed the risk of bias (RoB). The GRADE evaluated the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

Five RCT studies remained. Two studies showed high RoB, and three presented some concerns. No significant differences were observed between the protocols in terms of the ΔE_ab , ΔSGU, and TS. ΔE_ab exhibited substantial heterogeneity (I²  = 87%), while ΔSGU (I²  = 60%) and the TS (I²  = 62%) presented a moderate one. The certainty of evidence was considered low or very low, depending on the variable response and the evaluation time.

CONCLUSION

The application regimen (single vs. renewal of HP) did not impact color change or the absolute risk of TS.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The renewal of bleaching gel during the in-office appointment may not be necessary. However, there is at least a low certainty of evidence. Because of this, further randomized clinical trials with appropriate methodology on this topic are encouraged.

Use of antioxidants to restore bond strength after tooth bleaching with peroxides

This review compiles the literature on the antioxidants used after tooth bleaching with either low or high-concentrated carbamide and hydrogen peroxide to recover the bond strength. Antioxidants used in bleached teeth are mainly natural and non-enzymatic, except for catalase. Commonly, antioxidants are applied to remove any reactive oxygen species (ROS) residues left from bleaching gels, which adversely affect adhesive procedures, such as restorations or orthodontic brackets bonding. Even though sodium ascorbate, the most thoroughly investigated antioxidant, showed the most efficient bond strength recovery at 10% concentration, its performance depends on the type of solution and the application time. Natural extracts, such as proanthocyanidins and green tea, showed satisfactory results in the reversal of bond strength at 5% and 10% concentrations, respectively. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, α-tocopherol, and catalase exhibited promising results, but further research is required. The adhesive system type plays an important role in the outcome of enamel bond strength after the antioxidant application. The postponement of either restorations or orthodontic brackets cementation following bleaching procedures seems to be efficiently replaced by antioxidant application prior to bonding procedures. However, the efficacy of using an antioxidant to recover bond strength depends on its type and application time.

Effects of dental bleaching protocols with violet radiation on the color and chemical composition of stained bovine enamel

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the bleaching efficacy of a violet radiation (VR) combined or not with bleaching gels on the color and mineral content of stained teeth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Enamel/dentin blocks were obtained and stained (n = 50) with coffee, red wine, tobacco smoke, or were left non-stained. The stained or not-stained blocks (n = 10) were distributed into five bleaching groups (n = 10): VR, CP (37 % carbamide peroxide), VR/CP, HP (35 % hydrogen peroxide), and VR/HP. Color (ΔE_00, ΔL, Δa, and Δb) and whiteness index (ΔWI_D) changes were evaluated after staining and after bleaching using a spectrophotometer. Calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), and Ca/P contents (in wt%) were measured after bleaching using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Data was statistically analyzed (α = 0.05) using two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (ΔE_00, ΔWI_D, ΔL, Δb, wt%) or Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (Δa).

RESULTS

VR alone caused higher colorimetric changes on coffee, tobacco and red wine-stained groups compared to non-stained enamel (p < 0.05). VR/CP exhibited higher colorimetric changes compared to CP in coffee and non-stained groups. The VR/CP, HP and VR/HP groups exhibited no change differences (p > 0.05). No differences were observed for the wt% of Ca, P and Ca/P between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The violet radiation was more effective in bleaching stained rather than non-stained teeth. VR combined with 37 % carbamide peroxide was as effective as the HP agent. Besides, no adverse effects could be observed in the enamel mineral content, regardless of the bleaching protocol tested, according to the EDS semi-quantitative analysis.

Effect of zirconia decontamination protocols on bond strength and surface wettability

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of human saliva decontamination protocols on bond strength of resin cement to zirconia (Y-PSZ), wettability, and microbial decontamination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Zirconia plates were sandblasted and divided into (a) not contaminated, (b) contaminated with human saliva and: (c) not cleaned, (d) cleaned with air-water spray, (e) cleaned with 70% ethanol, (f) cleaned with Ivoclean, or (g) cleaned with nonthermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP). The wettability and microbial decontamination of the surfaces were determined after saliva contamination or cleaning. Monobond Plus (Ivoclar Vivadent) was applied after cleaning, followed by Variolink LC (Ivoclar Vivadent). The samples were stored 1 week before shear bond strength (SBS) testing, and data (SBS and wettability) were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α = .05).

RESULTS

Saliva contamination reduced SBS to zirconia compared to not contaminated. Both Ivoclean and NTAP produced higher SBS compared to not cleaned and were not significantly different from the not contaminated. Ivoclean produced the highest contact angle, and NTAP the lowest. With the exception of using just water-spray, all cleaning protocols decontaminated the specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Both Ivoclean and NTAP overcame the effects of saliva contamination, producing an SBS to zirconia comparable to the positive control.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Dental ceramics should be cleaned prior to resin cementation to eliminate the effects of human saliva contamination, and Ivoclean and NTAP are considered suitable materials for this purpose.