Use of a calcium peroxide whitening agent for remineralization and recalcification of incipient lesions.

OBJECTIVE

This in vitro study examined the ability of Forté, based upon co-catalyzed calcium peroxide and carbamide peroxide (CaCP), to remineralize and recalcify pre-existing incipient lesions in tooth enamel, renewing the teeth while they are being whitened.

METHODOLOGY

Artificial lesions to 70-100 micrometers depth were created, simulating in vivo conditions. Calcium concentrations were determined by micro drill, and surface hardness was determined using a Leco Indenter. Remineralization and calcium uptake were determined by comparing the surface hardness and calcium concentration of subsurface incipient lesions in extracted human teeth before and after a whitening treatment, and also comparing to a non-whitening control (saliva).

RESULTS

Specimens treated with the CaCP whitening gels had a significant calcium uptake of 33,000 micrograms of calcium/gram of enamel measured to a depth of 100 micrometers, and had corresponding increases in surface hardness, from a Vickers Hardness Number of 40 VHN to a value of 83 VHN.

CONCLUSION

Recalcifying incipient lesions to clinically significant depths, and improving the surface hardness of enamel while performing a popular cosmetic bleaching service, compares favorably with losses of calcium and decreased enamel surface hardness, as reported in studies of many conventional whitening agents.