Titanium dioxide nanotubes in a hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agent: physicochemical properties and effectiveness of dental bleaching under the influence of a poliwave led light activation

Objectives The effects of different concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) into 40% hydrogen peroxide (HP) were evaluated as regards the effectiveness of dental color change either associated with activation by polywave LED light or not. Materials and methods TiO 2 (0, 1, 5, or 10%) was incorporated into HP to be applied during in-office bleaching (3 sessions/40 min each). Polywave LED light (Valo Corded/Ultradent) was applied or not in activation cycles of 15 s (total time of 2 min). The color of 80 third molars separated into groups according to TiO 2 concentration and light activation ( n = 10) was evaluated at baseline and at time intervals after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd bleaching sessions. Results WI D value was significantly higher when using HP with 5% TiO 2 in the 2nd session than the values in the other groups ( p < 0.05). After the 2nd and 3rd sessions, the ΔEab value was significantly higher when activated with light ( p < 0.05) for all agents containing TiO 2 or not. Zeta potential and pH of the agents were not modified by incorporating TiO 2 at the different concentrations. Conclusions The 5% TiO 2 in the bleaching agent could enhance tooth bleaching, even without light application. Association with polywave LED light potentiated the color change, irrespective of the presence of TiO 2 in the bleaching gel. Clinical significance HP with 5% TiO 2 could lead to a greater tooth bleaching response in the 2nd clinical session, as well as the polywave light can enhance color change.