Efficacy Of Different Agents For At-Home Bleaching Of Vital Teeth K. Elmahdy*, C. Benz, B. Benz, R. Hickel (Department Of Restorative Dentistry, LM-University, Munich, Germany) Cosmetic and adhesive dentistry has not only increased patients' self-esteem and confidence, it has increased their awareness of the value of healthy teeth and gums. White teeth have always been a high priority with patients. Now that vital tooth bleaching has been adopted as an effective and safe method for whitening natural dentition, creating and maintaining white teeth is easily achieved. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different agents for at-home bleaching of vital teeth. The study is intended to cover a time span of three years.   After giving informed consent, 125 subjects were divided into five groups, one of them serving as a control sample and the other four each receiving treatment with different bleaching agents: Platinum Professional (Colgate), Nupro-Gold (Dentsply), HiLite (Shofu) and Day White (Luky Tec). Three of these products have received the CE seal. Subjects were questioned and examined at baseline, two weeks after the beginning of the bleaching process, three month and 6 month later. Possible reasons for extrinsic and intrinsic stains were recorded as well as gingival and plaque indices (SBI, QHI). Two calibrated dentists performed the investigation. The color of anterior teeth was evaluated with a subjective visual analysis and an objective measuring device (Shade Eye Shofu).   96 % of nontetracycline-stained teeth responded to the bleaching procedure. The time required to achieve the desired tooth color differed between the bleaching agents applied (faster: Platinum, Nupro). With extended treatment time, tetracycline-stained teeth lightened in 87% of cases. Retention of the shade change was perfect with the visual analysis but showed decline with the objective measurement depending on habits of the subjects especially smoking. Side effects were mild and transient.   With the products used in this study vital tooth bleaching is an effective and safe method.