ABSTRACT
Tooth bleaching is considered to be the treatment of choice for discolored teeth, provided the patient has realistic expectations and the teeth are acceptably shaped and intact. The main bleaching techniques are as follows: dentist-administered bleaching, dentist-provided and patient-applied bleaching, and over-the-counter products. In-office vital bleaching is usually performed using high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in conjunction with heat and/or light, often referred to as "power bleaching." Several studies compared the efficacy and shade stability after bleaching with different carbamide peroxide concentrations in a tray system, and different findings were reported. In a comparison of 10% carbamide peroxide and 17% carbamide peroxide, noticeable changes of shade values were observed after 3 days in the 17% group and after 7 days in the 10% group. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the efficacy of in-office bleaching procedures with various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
