Work

Phthalimidoperoxycaproic Acid (PAP) Versus Peroxides and Impact on Dental Enamel After Whitening Treatment: An In Vitro Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP) emerges as a promising alternative non-peroxide bleaching agent to hydrogen peroxide (HP), offering similar efficacy with potentially less enamel damage. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of 37.5% HP, 35% carbamide peroxide (CP), and PAP on dental color, enamel surface microhardness, and morphological integrity. Fifty-seven extracted human maxillary incisors were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 18). Thirteen teeth per group were used for color evaluation, four for microhardness, and one for surface morphology analysis. Each group received three whitening sessions (three applications per session) according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Color was assessed before and one week after each session using a spectrophotometer. Lightness increased by 7.19 units (HP), 7.11 (PAP), and 4.43 (CP). ΔWID was 4.48 (HP), 4.16 (CP), and 8.82 (PAP). All agents produced an “excellent” bleaching effect (ΔE00 index); only PAP achieved “excellent” values with the ΔWID index at the end of the study. PAP produced fewer morphological changes on the enamel surface and less reduction in microhardness compared to the untreated control than the other agents evaluated. PAP emerges as an effective alternative for dental bleaching, offering significant color improvement while ensuring minimal alterations to enamel morphology.

Source: Journal of Functional Biomaterials

DOI: 10.3390/jfb17020104

Authors: Carmen Llena, Lorena Saenz, James Ghilotti, Sofia Folguera, Maria Melo

Institution: Universitat de València

Language: English

Topic: Dental Erosion and Treatment

Subfield: Orthodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258