Orthodontic Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Orthodontic, including details on braces, retainers, treatment.

External bleaching effect on the color and luminosity of inactive white-spot lesions after fixed orthodontic appliances.

Knösel M, Attin R, Becker K, Attin T

Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Center of Dentistry, Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany. mknoesel@yahoo.de

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of external bleaching on the color and luminosity of inactive white-spot lesions (WSLs) present after fixed orthodontic appliance treatment as means for achieving color matching of the WSLs with adjacent tooth surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with inactive WSLs after therapy with fixed orthodontic appliances were selected. At baseline, the lightness of maxillary incisors and canines was assessed with a colorimeter. Color determinations were performed in the area of the initial lesions (F1) and at adjacent, sound enamel areas (F2). Then, anterior teeth were bleached once with a bleaching gel for 60 minutes. After a break of 14 days, in-office bleaching was followed by a 2-week home bleaching period with daily home bleaching for 1 hour. After this, color determinations were repeated. Additionally, patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire to provide information about their degree of contentment with the treatment. RESULTS: The lightness values of both the F1 and F2 regions were significantly higher after bleaching as compared with baseline. F2 L-values increased significantly more as compared with F1, indicating a better color matching of these two areas in comparison with baseline. All patients were satisfied with the outcome of the bleaching therapy. CONCLUSION: External bleaching is able to satisfactorily camouflage WSLs visible after therapy with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Published 3 July 2007 in Angle Orthod, 77(4): 646-52.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Orthodontic Research Today. All Rights Reserved.