At-Home Bleaching Products: An Ex-Vivo Comparative Study on Whitening Performance and Enamel Impact

Comparing the efficacy and safety of at-home bleaching products on dental enamel using an ex-vivo bovine enamel model. The study aimed to evaluate the whitening efficacy and structural impact of these treatments on enamel integrity. Methods: Four home whitening agents (BlancOne Home Night+, Opalescence PF Regular, Zoom Nite White and Pola Night) were tested on bovine enamel samples according to ISO 28.399:2021 standards. Whitening efficacy was measured spectrophotometrically before and 48 hours after the treatments. Changes in the topography and mechanical properties of the enamel surface were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation, respectively. The pH values of the agents were monitored throughout the treatment to assess their acidity. Results: All agents effectively whitened the enamel, with BlancOne Home Night+ and Opalescence PF Regular showing the highest whitening efficacy (ΔOD, p < 0.001). AFM and nanoindentation analyses revealed significant differences in enamel surface integrity: BlancOne caused minimal increase in roughness and reduction in hardness, while Opalescence showed the most pronounced enamel alterations (p < 0.0001). pH analysis indicated that BlancOne and Opalescence had less acidic profiles (pH 6-7) than Zoom and Pola (pH ≈ 5.5).
Dott. Claudio Pasquale · 12 February 2025