Factors associated with indication of tooth whitening during orthodontic treatment.

Background: Although teeth whitening is preferred after orthodontic treatment, aesthetic demands may generate a different indication. Aim: To determine the factors associated with indication of tooth whitening during orthodontic treatment.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey for participation of 200 dentists who frequently performed fixed orthodontic treatment. The validity and reliability of a 10 questions instrument was determined, content was entered into Survey Monkey software to generate delivery links. The instrument was sent through social networks with instant messaging and email. The bivariate analysis of associated factors was evaluated with Chi Square test and logistic regression was used to identify risk or protective factors for indication of tooth whitening.

Results: In bivariate analysis, it was found that dentist's specialization in orthodontics (p-value = 0.006), intensity of patient's tooth staining (p-value = 0.001), patient's staining habits (p-value = 0.001) and patient's self-perceived aesthetic need (p-value = 0.001) were associated with indication of tooth whitening during orthodontic treatment. While professional experience (p-value = 0.525) and training in dental aesthetics (p-value = 0.936) were not associated. In adjusted analysis, differences were found between those who are specialists in orthodontics versus those who are not (p-value = 0.035), multiplying by 2.750 their decision to indicate tooth whitening (OR=2.750).

Conclusions: The decision to indicate tooth whitening during orthodontic treatment is low. However, this initial decision could be affected by intensity of tooth staining, pigmentation habits and patient's self-perceived need for dental aesthetics; but mainly by orthodontics specialization of dentist. Key words:Tooth bleaching, fixed orthodontic appliance, brackets, dentists.