126-130 JCD 18.4 Schemehorn:01-04 JCD 17.1 Harpenau

Objective: This in vitro study examined the ability of Forté, based upon co-catalyzed calcium peroxide and carbamide peroxide (CaCP), to remineralize and recalcify pre-existing incipient lesions in tooth enamel, renewing the teeth while they are being whitened. • Methodology: Artificial lesions to 70-100 micrometers depth were created, simulating in vivo conditions. Calcium concentrations were determined by micro drill, and surface hardness was determined using a Leco Indenter. Remineralization and calcium uptake were determined by comparing the surface hardness and calcium concentration of subsurface incipient lesions in extracted human teeth before and after a whitening treatment, and also comparing to a non-whitening control (saliva). • Results: Specimens treated with the CaCP whitening gels had a significant calcium uptake of 33,000 micrograms of calcium/gram of enamel measured to a depth of 100 micrometers, and had corresponding increases in surface hardness, from a Vickers Hardness Number of 40 VHN to a value of 83 VHN. • Conclusion: Recalcifying incipient lesions to clinically significant depths, and improving the surface hardness of enamel while performing a popular cosmetic bleaching service, compares favorably with losses of calcium and decreased enamel surface hardness, as reported in studies of many conventional whitening agents. (J Clin Dent 18:126–130, 2007) Use of a Calcium Peroxide Whitening Agent for Remineralization and Recalcification of Incipient Lesions