Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Tooth Whitening of Using Reservoir in Bleaching Trays as Compared to Using Bleaching Tray without the Reservoir: An Observational Clinical Trial

Background: Bleaching procedures have gained importance due to the increase in aesthetic demand. At-home bleaching procedures have become popular due to their ease of application at their own time. At-home bleaching procedures can be modified to increase effectiveness. Aim: The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of tooth whitening by using bleaching trays with reservoirs and ones without reservoirs. Materials and Methods: The present study is an observational clinical trial done on 24 patients in Palestine. All the caries-free participants with Canine shades darker than A2 were included in the present study. The sample was divided into two groups. One group received bleaching trays with a reservoir, another group received bleaching trays without a reservoir. 10% carbamide peroxide was used as a bleaching agent in both groups for 21 days with 3-hour wear of trays. The primary outcome measured in the study was color change using the spectrophotometer VITA Easyshade. The secondary outcomes measured in the study were post-bleaching gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. T-test was done to compare the primary outcomes between the two groups and the Chi-square test was done to compare the secondary outcomes. Results: T-test showed that there is no significant difference between the color change in the two groups. The chi-square test showed that there is no significant difference in the occurrence of gingival irritation and tooth sensitivity between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: There is no significant difference in color change between the bleaching tray with the reservoir and without the reservoir. There is no significant difference in the increase in gingival irritation or tooth sensitivity between the two groups. Further studies and meta-analyses need to be conducted to obtain more evidence-based data on the outcomes.