Correlation between patient satisfaction and color changes after tooth bleaching

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between patient satisfaction of outcomes and tooth color changes during and after tooth bleaching. Methods In this clinical trial, 63 volunteers participated in an in‐office bleaching procedure using a 40% hydrogen peroxide gel. The treatment consisted of two sessions, each comprising two 30‐min applications of the bleaching gel. The L *, a *, and b * values of six maxillary anterior teeth were measured at baseline (T1), after the first bleaching session (T2), after the second bleaching session (T3), 1 week after the second in‐office bleaching session (T4), and 3 weeks after the second in‐office bleaching session (T5). The color differences (Δ E 00 ) were calculated using CIEDE2000. A satisfaction scale with a score ranging from 0 to 3 was used to record participants' level of satisfaction with their tooth color at each time point. The data were statistically analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and logistic regression ( α = 0.05). Results Significant correlations were observed between Δ L *, Δ b *, and Δ E 00 values at T3 and patient satisfaction (all p < 0.05). The regression model indicated a more pronounced impact of Δ b * on patient satisfaction compared to Δ L *. The established regression models were as follows: Logit ( P L*b* ) = −4.354 + 0.271Δ L * − 0.585Δ b * and Logit ( P Δ E 00 ) = −2.552 + 0.521Δ E 00 . The findings suggested a minimum Δ E 00 value of 4.90 for satisfactory results. A minimum Δ E 00 value of 3.9, 5.0, and 6.8 was necessary for central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines, respectively, to achieve a satisfactory result. Conclusions The Δ L *, Δ b *, and Δ E 00 values were found to be significantly correlated with patient satisfaction after bleaching. Δ b * was identified as having a greater influence on patient satisfaction than Δ L * values in the regression model. Furthermore, attaining a minimum Δ E 00 value of 4.90 is necessary to achieve satisfactory outcomes. A greater Δ E 00 value is needed for canines than for incisors to achieve equivalent patient satisfaction. Clinical Significance This study emphasizes the importance of considering the extent of color change needed to achieve patient satisfaction after tooth bleaching procedures.