Effect of whitening pens on hydrogen peroxide permeability in the pulp chamber, color change and surface morphology

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate hydrogen peroxide (HP) permeability into the pulp chamber, color change, and surface morphology promoted by different whitening pens.

Material and methods

Fifty premolars were divided into five groups (n = 10): untreated control; Colgate Optic White Express Whitening Pen (OE-C), Colgate Optic White Overnight Whitening Pen (OW-C), Equate Teeth Whitening Kit (TK-E) and Zimba Teeth Whitening Pen (TW-Z), applied daily for 15 minutes over ten days. HP permeability (μg/mL) was measured using UV–VIS spectroscopy, and color change (ΔE_ab, ΔE₀₀, and WI_D) by a digital spectrophotometer at baseline (T₀), after one (T₁), five (T₅) and ten days (T₁₀). Initial HP concentration (%), pH and surface morphology were determined through titration, pH meter, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Statistical analysis included one-way and two-way ANOVA with Tukey's and Dunnett's tests (α = 0.05).

Results

OE-C and OW-C exhibited higher pH, lower HP concentrations, reduced HP penetration (p < 0.05), and a similar surface morphology pattern compared to TK-E and TW-Z. Bleaching efficacy showed no significant differences among the whitening pens (p > 0.05). For ΔE_ab and ΔE₀₀, OE-C and OW-C showed similar color changes across all time points, whereas the TK-E and TW-Z exhibited greater changes from T₀ to T₅ and T₀ to T₁₀ (p < 0.05). WI_D values significantly increased at T₅ and T₁₀ across all groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Whitening pens vary in pH, initial hydrogen peroxide concentration, and hydrogen peroxide penetration; however, these differences do not significantly impact their surface morphology and bleaching effect.

Clinical significance

The use of whitening pens appears promising for achieving effective teeth bleaching after five days of application. However, the detection of hydrogen peroxide within the pulp chamber may increase the risk of tooth sensitivity.