Impact of tooth bleaching on oral health-related quality of life in adults: A triple-blind randomised clinical trial

To investigate the impact of tooth bleaching on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adults using a randomised clinical trial comparing at-home and in-office bleaching. A total of 130 individuals were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 65) according to the type of treatment. At-home treatment was performed using 10 % carbamide peroxide (2 h/day; 3 weeks) and an in-office placebo, while 35 % hydrogen peroxide was used for in-office (1/week; 3 weeks) and an at-home placebo. Colour was assessed using the CIELAB system using a digital spectrophotometer. Objective and subjective colour change was estimated by calculating CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) and shade guide units (ΔSGU), respectively. The OHRQoL was measured using the Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). All assessments were performed at baseline and after 21 days. For bivariate analysis, the chi-square test, Student’s t-test, and Wilcoxon test were used. The effects of OHRQoL were assessed using distribution-based responsiveness. Objective colour change was observed at home (p = 0.033), in comparison to in-office (p = 0.429). Mean OHIP-14 scores were similar between groups at baseline (p = 0.368) and after treatment (p = 0.695). Bleaching had a moderate positive effect on the OHRQoL of adults, especially with respect to the psychological discomfort domains, social disability, and total OHIP-14 score. The perception of tooth sensitivity in the group that received at-home treatment was negatively associated with OHRQoL (p = 0.037). The bleaching agents were highly effective and demonstrated a moderate influence on the patients’ aesthetic perception and psychosocial impact.