Objective: The objective of this study was three fold; to investigate the preference of dentists regarding the technique for vital and non-vital tooth bleaching, to find out the materials used for vital and non-vital tooth bleaching and to evaluate the influence of post-graduate training, working place and clinical experience on techniques and material used.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire with dentists working in three teaching institutes of Multan, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry (NID), Bakhtawar Amin Medical & Dental College (BAMDC) and Multan Medical & Dental College (MMDC). A total of 170 questionnaires were distributed and 154 recovered, at a response rate of 90.5%. Information about post-graduate training, working place and clinical experience was obtained. The information regarding technique and material used for vital and non-vital tooth bleaching was also collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 and frequencies and percentages were calculated along with association between the treatment options and other variables.

Results: Majority of the dentists 81.8% and 75.3% preferred in-office technique for vital and non-vital tooth bleaching respectively. For vital tooth bleaching, 31.8% selected HP 6% and 28.4% opted CP10-22%. For non-vital tooth bleaching, 34.8% selected SP mixed with water/HP and 26.6% opted HP37%.

Conclusion: Clinical experience and working place significantly influenced the bleaching technique for vital teeth not for the non-vital. No significant influence of post-graduation, clinical experience and working place was found on material used for vital or non-vital bleaching.

Key Words: Vital tooth bleaching, Non-vital tooth bleaching, Hydrogen peroxide, Carbamide peroxide, Sodium perborate