The impact of application tip type on the effectiveness of bleaching and tooth sensitivity when using 35% hydrogen peroxide

According to a recent study, the brush tip attached to the applicator is suggested for dental bleaching procedures performed in the office, as it may help reduce the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS).
A total of forty-eight participants were included in this study, with one group undergoing bleaching with an attached brush tip and the other group with a conventional tip. Whiteness Automixx Plus 35% was used in the bleaching treatment. Bleaching efficacy (BE) was assessed at different time points (beginning, weekly, one month and twelve months after bleaching) using a Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer (ΔE*ab, ΔE00, and WID) and Vita classical A1-D4 as well as Vita Bleachedguide shade guides units (ΔSGU). Additionally, the absolute risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale. Statistical analysis included the use of two one-sided t-tests for paired samples to assess the equivalence of bleaching efficacy, the McNemar test to evaluate the absolute risk of tooth sensitivity, and the paired t test to measure the intensity of tooth sensitivity (α = 0.05).
Both groups exhibited BE equivalence in all colour evaluations (p value > 0.05). The attached brush tip showed lower absolute risk and intensity of TS compared to the conventional tip (p value < 0.003 and p value < 0.0001).
Therefore, a brush tip attached to the applicator is recommended for in-office dental bleaching procedures, as it can potentially minimize the risk and severity of TS.