Over-the-counter vs. dentist-prescribed teeth-whitening products
Researchers have examined the efficacy of over-the-counter teeth-whitening products.
In a study published in BDJ Open, the researchers compared the effect of over-the-counter and dentist-prescribed at-home teeth whitening products on the color, microhardness and surface topography of the enamel. The over-the-counter products were obtained from a popular online marketplace. The researchers then matched the highest- and lowest-rated teeth-whitening products from the online marketplace and dentist-prescribed products and examined the outcomes on extracted human teeth using spectrophotometric analysis, the Vickers hardness testing and scanning electron microscopy.
The researchers found that the dentist-prescribed teeth-whitening products performed better in color and shade improvement, surface changes and enamel microhardness compared with the over-the-counter products. Further, the lowest-rated over-the-counter product resulted in a higher percentage of severe topographical enamel alterations. However, the highest-ranking over-the-counter teeth-whitening product was found to be comparable to the dentist-prescribed teeth-whitening product.
The researchers hope that further studies can help enhance the understanding and application of teeth-whitening products.
Read more: BDJ Open
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