2007 Volume 50 Issue 1 Pages 32-44
A new tooth bleaching agent (Pyrenees®) containing visible light sensitive TiO2 and 3.5% H2O2 has been developed. It is a safer bleaching agent for oral soft tissue compared with usual ones containing a high concentration of H2O2. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the newly developed bleaching agent. The bleaching procedure was applied to 61 volunteer patients once a week for three weeks. The bleaching effect was determined by calculating the color difference with a colorimeter, observing the tooth color with a shade guide (Vitapan 3D-Master®) as a reference, and monitoring the degree of satisfaction of the patients, compared with pre- and post-operation, during the 6-month examination period. Also, the safety of the agent was investigated according to the clinical examination during the bleaching procedure period. In the clinical evaluation, the bleaching effect of Pyrenees® for discolored vital teeth was clearly recognized during the bleaching period, however the postoperative evaluation showed a diminishing tendency. Regarding the satisfaction degree of patients, over 90% answered "very much" or "much". As for the safety, four cases complained of slight pain for a short time immediately after applying the agent, but the pain disappeared quickly. One case showed gingival erosion, but the gingiva recovered after one week. It is concluded that Pyrenees® is a clinically effective and safe bleaching agent for discolored vital teeth.
