Acceptability, efficacy and safety of two treatment protocols for dental fluorosis: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This parallel randomized clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of two treatments for removing fluorosis stains.

METHODS: Seventy individuals living in an area endemic for fluorosis, with at least four maxillary anterior teeth presenting fluorosis with a Thylstrup and Fejerskov index from 1 to 7, were randomized into two treatment groups (n=35): GI - enamel microabrasion or GII - microabrasion associated with at-home bleaching. Microabrasion was performed using 37% phosphoric acid and pumice and, at-home tooth bleaching was performed with 10% carbamide peroxide. Areas of enamel opacities were recorded by digital camera at baseline and 1-month (1M) after treatment. Two blinded examiners evaluated the reduction in the area (mm(2)) of opacity using software. Two visual analogue scales were used: one for recording tooth sensitivity and/or gingival irritation ranging from 1 (none) to 5 (severe) and the other to evaluate participant satisfaction with the treatment used ranging from 1 (no improvement) to 7 (exceptional improvement).

RESULTS: 1M after treatment, both groups showed a significant reduction in the area of enamel opacity (p=0.0001) and there was no difference between groups (p=0.1). Most of the participants from both treatment groups reported no or mild tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation (p>0.05). Participants reported that they were happy with the improvement in dental appearance, however, individuals from GII reported that they were happier than those from GI (p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment protocols were effective in reducing fluoride stains, however, when home bleaching was associated to enamel microabrasion, patients reported a major satisfaction with dental appearance.