The in vitro effect of a tooth bleaching agent on coffee and wine stained teeth

Abstract

Summary: Aim: The aim of this laboratory study is to assess the efficacy of a tooth bleaching agent by evaluating the degree of color change with the use of a spectrophotometer and not by the usual subjective, visual methods. Methodology: Twenty specimens of human teeth will be collected, polished and divided into two groups. A baseline color measurement by the CIE L* a* b* with a spectrophotometer against a white background will be taken before one group is immersed in coffee and the other in red wine for two weeks. Bleaching of the specimens will be done according to manufacturer’s instructions for two weeks. Color readings will be taken before bleaching, weekly during bleaching and 1 and 2 weeks after the bleaching treatment. Color change (ΔE) will be calculated mathematically as Δ E = [ (Δ L*)2 + (Δ a*)2 + (Δ b*)2 ]1/2. An observation of whether the baseline color reading will be regained by the bleaching process will be made. Results: Data collected will be recorded on an Excel spreadsheet. Advice from a qualified statistician will be sought to analyze the data. Results will be discussed in comparison with the existing literature on this subject.