Influence of Tooth Whitening on Changes in Quality of Life

Lighter tooth color may improve patient satisfaction with facial aesthetics. Few data exist regarding the impact and association of of tooth color connection with quality of life.The purpose of this research is to explore the extent to which patients perceive a color change and difference in quality of life induced by tooth whitening after one week and after one year. A plan is to assess 100 participants for eligibility (aged 18-30 years) and to enroll at least 70 and randomly assign to an active or a control group (equal number of participans in each group). Their anterior teeth in both jaws will be bleached with a photo-activated whitening gel, or will be subjected to a placebo. Lightness, chroma and translucency of teeth will be assessed before (T0), one week (T1) and one year (T2) after the procedure by a spectrophotometer. The subjects in both occasions will administrate the psychometric instrumetns Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire, Orofacial Esthetic Scale, Oral Health Impact Profile and Smile Esthetics Related Quality of Life. Influence of personality traits on the perception of changes in smile aesthetics and qualiy of life will be also explored (extraversion, conscientiousness, neuroticism, agreeableness, openness to experience, perfectionism, self-esteem, body image).