Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Tooth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that improves the color of natural teeth, making them whiter and brighter; this review aimed to evaluate the greater effectiveness of in-office, at-home, and combined bleaching with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, also in relation to possible relapses and side effects (tooth sensitivity). METHODS: A literature search has been carried out through electronic databases, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library, focused on the use of the effectiveness of in-office, at-home, and combined dental bleaching. This review has been registered on PROSPERO (ID613248). RESULTS: 30 articles have been included. Most of the studies did not find any more effective treatment than the proposed treatments; all types of bleaching have been shown to be effective in changing color; in the studies that have compared in-office and at-home bleaching, there was a lower recurrence of treatment with the use of the at-home trays with carbamide peroxide gel. There were no clear positions regarding tooth sensitivity, which would appear to be higher in professional in-office and combined dental bleaching. CONCLUSIONS: Bleaching is an effective treatment for the change of color of the tooth regardless of the type used (concentrations, type of gel, and duration of sessions), although, at home, it would seem to be more effective over time. It is, however, a clinical feature that may give a risk of tooth sensitivity after treatment.