Guidelines for the selection of tooth whitening products amongst those available on the market.

BACKGROUND Several tooth whiteners are available on the market, and the ideal choice should be determined by efficacy and optimal clinical results. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare the reported clinical success rates of different tooth whitening products. SEARCH STRATEGY The relevant literature (1998 - 2011) was studied, using as sources the databases: Google Scholar, Science Direct, Medline and Pubmed. SELECTION CRITERIA The material was clearly identified, the manufacturers' instructions were respected and the sample size stated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS This descriptive report on 49 papers focuses on the total colour change, measured with a calibrated shade guide and also numerically (colourimeter, chromameter or spectrophotometer), the relapse of the colour change and tooth sensitivity. In general, the dentist-supervised at-home bleaching and the in-office treatment gave approximately the same initial percentage improvement of tooth whitening. However, the relapse after a four week or longer period was significantly higher for the in-office treatment. The treatment of choice should be a dentist supervised at-home bleaching product which generally contains approximately 10% carbamide peroxide applied over about 14 days for about eight hours per night. Tooth sensitivity should not be a general problem although some subjects might choose to discontinue treatment as a result of sensitivity.