Safety and stability of nightguard vital bleaching: 9 to 12 years post-treatment.
PURPOSE: The purposes of this retrospective case series study were to evaluate safety issues and determine participants' perceptions of a nightguard vital bleaching (NGVB) technique approximately 10 years post-treatment (average, 118 mo; range, 108-144 mo). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample included 30 (79%) of 38 participants who had completed a previous NGVB study using a 10% carbamide peroxide solution (Proxigel or Gly-Oxide) in a custom tray for 6 weeks. Participants were asked whether there had been any change in the shade of their teeth post-treatment and, if so, to quantify the change on a verbal scale. In addition, 19 participants had gingival index and tooth vitality evaluated clinically, external cervical root anatomy evaluated radiographically, and enamel surface changes evaluated microscopically. RESULTS: Thirty-five (92%) of the original 38 participants had successful lightening of their teeth. At approximately 10 years post-treatment (average, 118 mo; range, 108-144 mo), external cervical resorption was not diagnosed and gingival index and tooth vitality findings were considered within the normal expectations for the sample studied, suggesting minimal clinical post-NGVB side effects at approximately 10 years. Scanning electron microscopic observations did not reveal substantial differences between treated and nontreated surfaces. Color stability, as perceived by 43% of the participants, may last approximately 10 years (average, 118 mo; range, 108-144 mo) post-treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Nightguard vital bleaching using 10% carbamide peroxide is safe and effective, with no noticeable side effects, at approximately 10 years (average, 118 mo; range, 108-144 mo) post-treatment. Color stability, as perceived by 43% of the participants, may last 108 to 144 months post-whitening.