Vital Tooth Whitening: Effects on Tooth Color Satisfaction, Beliefs about Dentofacial Appearance, and Self-Esteem in Older Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of vital tooth whitening on tooth color satisfaction, beliefs about dentofacial appearance, and self-esteem in a population 50 years of age and older. A 2-group, randomized, pre-test, post-test, single-blind design was utilized following IRB-approval. Sixty-two participants were enrolled. Fifty-three participants (N=53) completed the study with no adverse events reported. Both the control and experimental groups received instructions for a 3-week oral self-care regimen, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. The experimental group also received a tooth whitening product (independent variable) to be used during the same 3-week period. Dependent variable measures collected at baseline and at week three were: (1) tooth color measured using the Trubyte New Hue Vitality Scale, (2) tooth color satisfaction measured using the Tooth Color Satisfaction Scale, (3) beliefs about dentofacial appearance measured using The Beliefs about Appearance Questionnaire (ASI-R Short Form), and (4) self-esteem measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p< .001) in the experimental group for tooth color improvements and tooth color satisfaction. Tooth whitening did not significantly (p<.05) affect beliefs about dentofacial appearance or self-esteem. Additionally, a correlation was not demonstrated among tooth color, tooth color satisfaction, beliefs about dentofacial appearance, and self-esteem in an older adult population. Overall, tooth whitening had little psychosocial effect in this sample of older adults.