Tooth Whitening Systems

For more information on Opalescence Tooth Whitening Systems and how they can benefit you (and your smile!) take a look at these studies:

 

The following studies relate the importance and efficacy of potassium
nitrate and fluoride in whitening treatments.

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The following study supports our how bleaching works claim (penetrates and whitens
all parts of the tooth)
1. Haywood VB. History, safety and effectiveness of current bleaching techniques and applications
of the nightguard vital bleaching technique. Quintessence Int. 1992 23(7): 471-488
2. Morgan J, Presley S. In-office “power” bleaching of vital teeth as an adjunct to at-home bleaching.
Advanced Tooth Whitening Vol. 2 Pract Procedures and Aesthet Dent 2002;14(1):16-23. (Lit
#25144)

The following study supports our claim that bleaching doesn’t affect bond strength
1. R.S. Schwartz, J.B. Summitt, J.W. Robbins. Fundamentals of Operative Dentistry—A Contemporary
Approach, 2nd edition. Chicago: Quintessence, 2001.

The following studies support our “PF formula strengthens enamel, decreases sensitivity,
prevents caries/cavities” claim
1. Basting RT et al: The Effects of Seven Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Agents on Enamel
Microhardness Over Time. J Am Dent Assoc. 2003 Oct; 134(10):1335-42
2. Al-Quanaian TA. The Effect of Whitening Agents on Caries Susceptibility of Human Enamel.
Oper Dent. 2005 Mar-Apr;30(2):265-70
3. Clark LM et al: Influence of Fluoridated Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Gel on Enamel Demineralization.
(AADR Abstract #0497), 2006.
4. Amaechi BT et al: Enamel Fluoride Uptake from Fluoridated Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching
Gel. (AADR Abstract #0498), 2006
5. Browning WD et al: Report of Low Sensitivity Whiteners (AADR Abstract #1650), 2006
6. Haywood VB. A comparison of at-home and in-office bleaching. Dentistry Today 2000, 19(4)
44-53.

The following studies support our “Vital teeth whitened with Opalescence remain
lighter for years” claim
1. Dunn JR, Dower D. Efficacy and longevity of tooth whitening using a 10% carbamide peroxide
gel, a clinical study. Loma Linda CA: School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, September
1991. (Lit #33)
2. Rosenstiel SF, Gegauff AG, Johnston WM. Efficacy & safety evaluations of a home bleaching
procedure. Columbus OH: College of Dentistry, Ohio State University. (Lit #34)
3. Russell CM, Dickinson GL, Johnston MH, Curtis JW Jr, Downey MC, Haywood VB, Myers ML.
Dentist-supervised home bleaching with ten percent carbamide peroxide gel: a six-month study. J
Esthetic Dent 1996;8(4):177-182. (Lit #35)
4. W. Frank Caughman, DMD, Med/Kevin B, Frazier, DMD/Van B. Haywood DMD. Carbamide
peroxide whitening of nonvital single discolored teeth: Case reports. Quintessence Int. 1999
Mar.:30(3): 155-61. (Lit #58)

The following study supports our claim that Opalescence PF gels stay active
through the night
1. Matis Bruce A et al: In Vivo Degradation of Bleaching Gel Used in Whitening Teeth. JADA
1999 Feb 130(2):227-235 (Lit #62)

The following study support claims that our Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste
removes surface stains to lighten teeth two shades in one month
· Gultz J, Kaim J, Scherer W. Whitening efficacy of a whitening toothpaste creme. (Abstract
#2747) J Dent Res 1998;77:975. (Lit #51)
The following study support claims that our Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste
reduces gingivitis
· Gultz J, Lopresti J, Settembrine L, Scherer W. Clinical efficacy of a whitening toothpaste.
(Abstract #2739) J Dent Res 1998;77:974. (Lit #48)
The following study support claims that our Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste has
high fluoride uptake
· Wood GD, Schemehorn BR. Enamel Fluoride Uptake Study. Indianapolis: Oral Health
Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Indiana University. May 29, 1994.
The following study support claims that our Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste
has maximum enamel and dentin restoration protection
· Schemehorn BR et al: Relative Dentin Abrasion Test on Dentrifices. Indianapolis: oral Health
Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Indiana University. Feb. 1, 1995.

The following studies show how light is not needed for effective whitening.

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External bleaching therapy with activation by heat, light or laser – a systematic
review (not Boost) March 4, 2006
“Existing literature reveals that activation of bleaching agents by heat, light or laser may have an
adverse effect on pulpal tissue due to an increase of intra-pulpal temperature exceeding the
critical value of 5.5 degrees C.”
Dental Materials. 23 (2007) 586-596

In-office Vital Tooth Bleaching – What do Lights Add? (Zoom!, Xtra Boost) April, 2003
“The clinical data indicate all three systems tested lightened 83 contralateral pairs of anterior
teeth to nearly the same degree of 1.6 to 1.8 combined value-chroma…with or without the use of
accessory lights.”
Compendium / April 2003 Vol. 24, No, 4A

The Effect of Tooth Bleaching on Substance P Expression in Human Dental Pulp
(Xtra Boost, Zoom!) December, 2008
“It can be concluded that light and laser-activated tooth-bleaching systems increase SP expression
in human dental pulp significantly higher than normal values.” “These data should make
clinicians aware that performing this type of tooth-bleaching procedure, even under the best
conditions, represents an injury to the pulpodentin complex…”
JOE – Vol. 34, No 12, December 2008

Clinical Evaluation of Chemical and Light-Activated Tooth Whitening Systems
(BriteSmile, Xtra Boost) January, 2006
The use of light did not demonstrate any benefit over the chemically activated tooth whitening
systems after a 2-week recall.
Compendium/January 2006, Vol. 27, No. 1
New generation in-office vital tooth bleaching, Part 2
“No light yet evaluated by CRA has enhanced results”
CRA Newsletter, Vol. 27, Issue 3, March 2003.

In vitro efficacy and risk for adverse effects of light-assisted tooth bleaching January,
2009
“…optical radiation did not improve bleaching efficacy relative to bleaching without irradiation.
The use of optical radiation in tooth bleaching poses a health risk to the client and violates radiation
protection regulations. Therefore, we will advise against light-assisted tooth bleaching.”
Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2009, 8, 377-385

Masters of Esthetic Dentistry. Van B. Haywood, DMD 2003
“Various types of lights and lasers were claimed to simplify and shorten the bleaching technique,
although the research to date has shown the contrary”.
“Use of a light does not alter the final outcome and may give an illusion of whitening owing to
dehydration.”

Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. Vol. 15, No. 3, 2003
Colorimetric assessment of laser and home bleaching techniques.
U of Iowa 1999
The recommended one-time application of laser-activated hydrogen peroxide did not demonstrate
any perceivable color change.
Journal of Esthetic Dentistry. 1999: 11(2): 87-94