Comparative efficacy of In-office and walking bleach techniques in whitening of non-vital teeth

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two non vital whitening techniques, In-office and Walking Bleach, using 35% hydrogen peroxide. The primary research question was to determine which technique achieves greater tooth color improvement.

Materials and methods: Fifty non-vital anterior teeth with discoloration were randomly assigned to either the In-office (n = 25) or Walking Bleach (n = 25) groups. Tooth color was measured using a Vita EasyShade V^® spectrophotometer and visual scales (Vita Classical and Bleachguide) before treatment, after each bleaching session, and at a one-month follow-up. ΔE00, Whiteness Index (WID), and Shade Guide Unit (ΔSGU) values were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.

Results: Both techniques improved tooth color, with final ΔE00 values of 10.08 for In-office and 8.12 for Walking Bleach. WID values were significantly higher in the In-office group, indicating greater whitening efficacy. Significant differences favoring the In-office method were seen after the first bleaching (p = 0.0337), and one-month follow-up (p = 0.0327).

Conclusions: Both the In-office and Walking Bleach techniques effectively improve the color of non-vital teeth, with the In-office method showing slight advantages at certain times. Clinicians can choose either technique based on safety, patient needs, and clinical context to achieve optimal results.

Clinical relevance: This study provides evidence that both bleaching techniques are viable options for non-vital teeth whitening. The findings help clinicians choose the most appropriate technique based on biological safety and patient needs and desired outcomes, with the In-office technique being preferable for faster results.

Keywords: Hydrogen peroxide; In-office bleaching; Non-vital teeth; Tooth discoloration; Walking bleach technique.