Nightguard vital bleaching: a review and clinical study.

Based on current clinical experience and research, dentist-prescribed home bleaching, also referred to as nightguard vital bleaching, is a safe and effective technique for whitening teeth when a carbamide peroxide material (up to 10 percent) is used. The bleaching material should be produced by a recognised and reputable manufacturer and must be used under a dentist's supervision over a relatively short time. Mild thermal sensitivity is a common side effect; however, no long-term pulpal effects have been shown. The reduction in the bond strength of resin to freshly bleached enamel and dentine has been shown to be transient, and no clinically significant changes in surface morphology or physical properties have been shown to occur to teeth or dental restorative materials as a result of vital bleaching. As a consequence, vital bleaching has gained favour with patients and dentists alike. Significant benefit was obtained in 12 subjects using two nightguard bleaching systems which were equally effective.