Influence of Immediate Post-Bleaching Polishing on Enamel Color, Morphology, and Sensitivity: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective

This study evaluated the influence of polishing on enamel color change after in-office bleaching treatment on tooth morphology and sensitivity.

Materials and Methods

A total of 50 volunteers were randomized into two groups (n = 25): in-office bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide gel for 45 min without polishing (GSEM) or with polishing (GP). Color analysis was performed four times, at the beginning of the starting line and immediately after the first, second, and third bleaching sessions with a spectrophotometer. A qualitative analysis of enamel morphology was performed under a scanning electron microscope. Tooth sensitivity was assessed daily using the Visual Analog Scale (α = 0.05).

Results

There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in tooth color change when comparing ΔE, ΔE₀₀, and ΔWID between the groups. The enamel surface showed larger areas of irregularities and depressions in the GP group than in the GSEM group. There was no difference in tooth sensitivity (p > 0.05) between the groups.

Conclusions

Polishing after whitening in the office does not change the color and sensitivity of the tooth but promotes greater changes in the morphology of the enamel, such as increased surface roughness.

Clinical Relevance

Polishing immediately after teeth whitening causes greater changes in enamel surface morphology.