Page 13 - GP Fall 2025

1. The analysis revealed several key findings: Efficacy of References
In-Office Whitening Products: In-office bleaching using 1. Cook, D.J. & Mulrow, Cynthia & Haynes, bhaynes@mcmaster.ca.
hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is effective for (1997). Systematic Reviews: Synthesis of Best Evidence for Clinical
achieving noticeable tooth color improvement. Across studies, Decisions. Annals of internal medicine. 126. 376-80. 10.7326/0003?48
no significant clinical difference was found between: 19?126?5?199703010?00006.
2. Shea B J, Reeves B C, Wells G, Thuku M, Hamel C, Moran J et
• High vs. low/medium concentration hydrogen peroxide al. AMSTAR 2: a critical appraisal tool for systematic reviews
that include randomised or non-randomised studies of healthcare
interventions or both BMJ 2017; 358 :j4008 doi:10.1136/bmj.j4008.
• Hydrogen peroxide vs. carbamide peroxide 3. Patel H. Essential principles of tooth whitening. BDJ In Pract.
2022;35(9):46. doi: 10.1038/s41404-022-1711-1. Epub 2022 Sep 5.
• Light-activated vs. non-light-activated in-office protocols PMCID: PMC9442571.
4. https://casp-uk.net/pico-framework/. Last accessed June 2025.
2. Tooth Sensitivity Is a Common Adverse Effect: All reviews 5. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/info/us/toolkit/learn-ebm/what-is-grade/
confirmed that tooth sensitivity is the most frequently reported 6. He LB, Shao MY, Tan K, Xu X, Li JY. The effects of light on bleaching
side effect. Its severity is influenced by: and tooth sensitivity during in-office vital bleaching: a systematic
review and meta-analysis. J Dent. 2012;40(8):644–653. doi:10.1016/j.
• The concentration of the bleaching agent (higher jdent.2012.04.010.
concentrations generally cause more sensitivity) 7. de Geus JL, Wambier LM, Kossatz S, Loguercio AD, Reis A. At-home
vs in-office bleaching: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oper
• The use of light activation, which may increase the Dent. 2016;41(4):341–356. doi:10.2341/15-287-LIT.
intensity of sensitivity, especially with high-peroxide gels 8. Maran BM, Burey A, de Paris Matos T, Loguercio AD, Reis A. In-office
dental bleaching with light vs without light: a systematic review and
meta-analysis. J Dent. 2018;70:1–13. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2017.11.007.
3. Light Activation Does Not Significantly Improve 9. Souto-Maior DV, et al. Effectiveness of Light Sources on In-Office
Efficacy: Despite widespread marketing claims, the addition Dental Bleaching: A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses. Oper Dent.
of light sources does not significantly enhance whitening 2019;44(6):E105–E??. doi:10.2341/17-280-L.
outcomes, though it may slightly reduce sensitivity intensity in 10. Pontes MMdeA, Gomes JMdL, Pellizzer EP, et al. Effect of Bleaching
some protocols. Gel Concentration on Tooth Color and Sensitivity: A Systematic Review
and Meta-analysis. Oper Dent. 2020;45(3):265–275. doi:10.2341/17-
4. Carbamide Peroxide Is a Viable Alternative: High- 376-L.

concentration carbamide peroxide (e.g., 37%) showed similar 11. Maran BM, Matos TP, de Castro ADS, Vochikovski L, Amadori AL,
whitening effectiveness to hydrogen peroxide (35%) but with Loguercio AD, Reis A, Berger SB. In-office bleaching with low/medium
Diana Alomaja, M.S.Ed., MS, is a student at NYU College of Dentistry in the class of 2024. She
vs high concentrate hydrogen peroxide: A systematic review and meta-
reduced sensitivity, making it a good alternative for sensitive analysis. J Dent. 2020;103:103499. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2020.103499.
wishes to pursue additional training in general dentistry upon graduation.
patients. 12. Boa PWM, Santos KS, Oliveira FJD, Borges BCD. Can carbamide
peroxide be as effective as hydrogen peroxide for in-office tooth
Conclusions / Summary bleaching and cause less sensitivity? A systematic review. Restor Dent
In-office bleaching remains an effective aesthetic dental procedure, Endod. 2023;49(2):e14. doi:10.5395/rde.2024.49.e14.
with considerable evidence supporting its use. The choice of active
agents and their concentrations can significantly affect outcomes Geri Robin, DMD, FAGD, is a faculty member
and side effects. Clinicians should consider patient preferences,
sensitivity risks, and current evidence when recommending at NYU College of Dentistry in the Depart-
whitening treatments. Future investigations should aim to improve ment of Cariology and Comprehensive Care.
formulations for enhanced patient comfort and reduced side effects,
while maintaining or improving efficacy.

Dipti Wakode is a dental student at NYU
Dentistry, she will graduate in 2026

Dr. Analia Veitz-Keenan is a Clinical Professor
Dr. Geri Robin, DMD, FAGD, is a faculty member at NYU College of
at NYU Dentistry Department Oral Maxil-
Dentistry in the Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care.

lofacial Pathology, Radiology and Medicine
and Epidemiology and Health Promotion. She
has a private practice in Brooklyn, NY, and is
NYSAGD’s 2024-25 president.

www.nysagd.org l Fall 2025 l GP 13