Background: Several tooth whiteners are available on the market, and the ideal choice should be determined by efficacy and optimal clinical results.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the reported clinical success rates of different tooth whitening products.
Search strategy: The relevant literature (1998 - 2011) was studied, using as sources the databases: Google Scholar, Science Direct, Medline and Pubmed.
Selection criteria: The material was clearly identified, the manufacturers' instructions were respected and the sample size stated.
Results and conclusions: This descriptive report on 49 papers focuses on the total colour change, measured with a calibrated shade guide and also numerically (colourimeter, chromameter or spectrophotometer), the relapse of the colour change and tooth sensitivity. In general, the dentist-supervised at-home bleaching and the in-office treatment gave approximately the same initial percentage improvement of tooth whitening. However, the relapse after a four week or longer period was significantly higher for the in-office treatment. The treatment of choice should be a dentist supervised at-home bleaching product which generally contains approximately 10% carbamide peroxide applied over about 14 days for about eight hours per night. Tooth sensitivity should not be a general problem although some subjects might choose to discontinue treatment as a result of sensitivity.