Effectiveness and adverse effects of at-home dental bleaching with 37% versus 10% carbamide peroxide: A randomized, blind clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this trial was to evaluate bleaching effectiveness, tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation of whitening patients with 10% versus 37% carbamide peroxide (CP). METHODS: Eighty patients were selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly allocated into two groups (n = 40): 37% CP and 10% CP. In both groups, patients performed whitening for 3 weeks, 4 h/day for 10% group and 30 min/day for 37% group. Color was evaluated with Vita Classical, Vita Bleachedguide 3D Master and Spectrophotometer Easyshade, at baseline, weekly and 30 days after treatment. Absolute risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS) and gingival irritation (GI) were assessed with numeric rating scale (NRS) and a visual analog scale (VAS). Color changes were compared with t-test for independent samples. TS and GI were evaluated with Fisher's exact tests. Mann-Whitney test was used for NRS, and t-tests for VAS (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The 37% CP group showed faster whitening than 10% group at 1-3 weeks. However, 1 month after conclusion, both groups showed equivalent bleaching (p = 0.06). Regarding sensitivity and gingival irritation, 10% and 37% groups met no significant differences (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of 37% CP 30 min/day showed equivalent results to 10% 4 h/day. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of 37% carbamide peroxide 30 min/day may decrease the time of tray use in at-home protocol for whitening because it presents equivalent results to 10% carbamide peroxide 4 h/day.

Clinical Testing of Walking Bleach, In-Office, and Combined Bleaching of Endodontically Treated Teeth.

Objective. The causes of internal posteruptive discoloration of teeth are bleeding, necroses, infections, and endodontic filling materials. The aim of this study was to establish the results of bleaching endodontically treated teeth using walking bleach, in-office, and combined techniques, using 30% carbamide peroxide and 35% hydrogen peroxide, as well as the effect of etiological factors, and the time elapsed after endodontic treatment on the success of bleaching. Materials and Methods. The research involved 30 endodontically treated teeth in healthy patients. Retroalveolar X-rays were taken to check the quality of root canal obturation. Endodontic treatment and obturation were carried out on the discolored non-vital teeth without any previous endodontic treatment. Before bleaching, two millimeters of the filling were removed from the root canal and the very entry into the canal was protected with glass ionomer cement. The teeth were divided into three groups, depending on the bleaching technique: walking bleach technique (10 patients), in-office technique (10 patients), and combined technique (10 patients). The teeth were bleached with 30% carbamide peroxide and 35% hydrogen peroxide. The bleaching procedure was repeated in all the patients three times. The color of all teeth was determined based on the Vita Classic guide before and after bleaching. The Χ2 square and Kruskal−Wallis tests were used to identify differences in teeth bleaching results. Results. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was established between bleaching success and the time elapsed after endodontic treatment. There were no statistically significant differences observed between the bleaching success and etiological factors, bleaching techniques, or bleaching agents. Conclusions. The effectiveness of non-vital tooth bleaching is affected by the time elapsed after endodontic treatment.

Efficacy and safety of over-the-counter whitening strips as compared to home-whitening with 10 % carbamide peroxide gel--systematic review of RCTs and metanalysis.

OBJECTIVES: The study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of over-the-counter whitestrips with the American Dental Association (ADA)-recommended home-whitening using the 10 % carbamide peroxide gel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of the whitestrips with the 10 % carbamide peroxide (10 % CP) gel applied on tray for tooth whitening in adults were searched at PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases and selected up to October 2014. Efficacy of the whitening techniques was assessed through ∆E, ∆L, and ∆b parameters, while side effects were analyzed as dichotomous variables. Data was extracted independently by two reviewers. Metanalysis was performed using random- and fixed-effect models (RevMan 5.3). RESULTS: Eight studies were included in the metanalysis. The metanalysis revealed no significant difference between the intervention groups for tooth-whitening efficacy measured as ΔE (mean difference [MD]-0.53; 95 % CI [-1.72;0.66]; Z = 0.88; p = 0.38) and ΔL (MD-0.22; 95 % CI [-0.81;0.36]; z = 0.75; p = 0.45); reduction of yellowing was higher with the whitestrips (MD-0.47; 95 % CI [-0.89; -0.06]; Z = 2.25; p = 0.02). Tooth sensitivity (risk ratio [RR] 1.17; 95 % CI [0.81-1.69]; Z = 0.81; p = 0.42) and gingival sensitivity (RR 0.76; 95 % CI [0.53-1.10]; Z = 1.44; p = 0.15) were similar, regardless of the whitening method used. The observed gingival irritation was higher when the 10 % CP gel was applied on tray (RR 0.43; 95 % CI [0.20-0.93]; Z = 2.14; p = 0.03). The quality of evidence generated was rated very low for all outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There is no sound evidence to support the use of the whitening strips in detriment of the ADA-recommended technique based on the 10 % carbamide peroxide gel applied on tray. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To the moment, there is no sound evidence in dental literature to suggest that the ADA-recommended whitening technique based on 10 % carbamide peroxide gel could be substituted by the whitening strips. The existing studies, with their limitations, revealed similar tooth whitening and tooth and gingival sensitivity for both whitening techniques.

Clinical evaluation of different desensitizing agents in home-bleaching gels.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The influence of different compositions of desensitizing agents in whitening gels should be evaluated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of 4 carbamide peroxide (CP)-based bleaching gels containing desensitizing agents regarding the degree of bleaching, tooth sensitivity, degree of participant satisfaction, and gingival irritation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The maxillary arch of the 50 participants was bleached using a split mouth, home-bleaching technique. The participants were divided into 2 groups: G1, 10% CP (Opalescence PF; Ultradent Products, Inc) (right) and 10% CP (Power Bleaching 10%; BM4) (left); and G2, 15% CP (Opalescence PF) (right) and 16% CP (Power Bleaching 16%) (left). Each gel was used in a 2-hour daily regimen for 45 days. The shade of the 6 maxillary anterior teeth was recorded with a shade guide and spectrophotometer at baseline, and after 15, 30, 45, and 180 days of treatment. Statistical differences were analyzed with ANOVA for repeated measures followed by the Bonferroni and Student t tests (α=.05). Tooth sensitivity was evaluated with a visual analog scale (rated on a 0 to 10 scale). Participant satisfaction was evaluated by using participant reports of their personal satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the shade. Gingival irritation was evaluated using the Löe index scores. RESULTS: Color change was found to be statistically significant for all treatment periods evaluated, both by the objective and the subjective analyses, regardless of the composition and the concentration of the bleaching agent (P<.001). After 45 days, all participants were satisfied with the shade obtained. No clinically diagnosed gingival irritation was noted. Neither of the 10% CP products caused sensitivity during treatment, and 16% CP containing 3% potassium oxalate showed lower sensitivity than 15% CP containing potassium nitrate. CONCLUSION: The association of 3% potassium oxalate with fluoride was effective in reducing tooth sensitivity during and after bleaching, particularly with the 16% CP product, and did not compromise the effectiveness of treatment.

An overview on the Effects of 10% and 15% Carbamide Peroxide and its Relationship to Dentine Sensitivity.

The purpose of this overview was to review the available literature to determine if there was any evidence that the application of 10% and 15% carbamide peroxide in tooth whitening procedures resulted in tooth (dentine) sensitivity. The conclusions from the review would indicate that tooth whitening with either 10% or 15% carbamide peroxide is an effective and safe treatment when under a dental professionals' supervision. Reported side-effects were considered mild to moderate in nature and were transient in duration. Reported incidences of dentine sensitivity range from 15-65% of patients using 10% carbamide peroxide.

Impact of Carbonated Beverages on Color Stability and Home Bleaching Efficacy of BulkFill Composite Resins.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess, in vitro, the color stability and bleaching response of three bulk-fill composite resins-Activa™, Tetric®-N-Ceram Bulk-Fill, and Filtek™ One Bulk-Fill???and one conventional composite resin, Filtek™ Z250, after immersion in commonly consumed carbonated beverages and subsequent home bleaching with 15 percent carbamide peroxide. Methods: Ninety-six samples (two- and four-mm thick) of the materials were immersed in malt drink, energy drink, cola, or distilled water for one day, one week, and two months. After two months, samples underwent home bleaching with 15 percent carbamide peroxide gel. Spectrophotometric analysis measured color and whiteness changes pre-immersion, post-immersion, and post-bleaching. Statistical significance was determined using factorial mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA), three-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc tests (P<0.05). Results: All tested composite resins exhibited unacceptable discoloration (color change greater than 3.3) after two months in carbonated beverages. Filtek™ One Bulk-Fill and Filtek™ Z250 displayed the most significant discoloration, particularly when immersed in the malt drink (P<0.05). In contrast, Activa™ samples reached unacceptable discoloration within just one week in malt and cola drinks. Home bleaching yielded limited whiteness recovery, with Activa™ presenting acceptable whiteness post-bleaching after staining with cola and energy drinks. Conclusions: This study highlights the aesthetic risks of prolonged carbonated beverage consumption and the limitations of the assessed home bleaching technique using 15 percent carbamide peroxide. Enhanced dental education on the dietary effects of some beverages on restorative materials is indicated by these findings.

Can green tea be used to reverse compromised bond strength after bleaching?

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of green tea on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to bleached enamel. Forty-two human third molars were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 7 each group): group 1, no treatment; group 2, bleaching (10% carbamide peroxide); group 3, bleaching + 10% sodium ascorbate gel (SA); group 4, bleaching + 10% green tea gel (GT); group 5, SA; and group 6, GT. In groups 2, 3, and 4, bleach was applied onto the enamel surface for 6 h, every day for 14 d. In groups 3 and 5, SA was applied for 1 h; and in groups 4 and 6, GT was applied for 1 h. Immediately after treatment, the specimens were bonded with Adper Single Bond 2 and Filtek Z350 XT. The µTBS of the specimens was tested using a universal testing machine. Fracture mode analysis of the bonded enamel surface was performed using scanning electron microscopy. The mean µTBS values for each group were: group 1, 33.2 ± 5.8 MPa; group 2, 22.6 ± 5.5 MPa; group 3, 30.0 ± 5.2 MPa; group 4, 31.6 ± 3.8 MPa; group 5, 29.1 ± 4.2 MPa; and group 6, 32.2 ± 4.5 MPa. All groups had a higher percentage of mixed failures. In conclusion, green tea can be used as an alternative antioxidant on bleached enamel before bonding procedures.

Assessment of the release of mercury from silver amalgam alloys exposed to different 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching agents.

This in vitro study assessed the amount of mercury (Hg) released from a silver amalgam alloy following the application of different 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching agents. A total of 30 specimens (2 mm thick x 4 mm in diameter) were stored in deionized water at 37°C for 7 days. Next, the control group (n = 10) remained in the deionized water for 15 days, while the remaining samples were exposed to 1 of 2 bleaching agents (n = 10) for 8 hours daily (total exposure = 120 hours); for the remaining 16 hours, specimens in the test groups were stored in deionized water at 37°C under relative humidity. After this period, the quantity of Hg in the deionized water was assessed (using atomic absorption spectrophotometry) and compared to the amount of Hg at baseline. The results indicate that exposing amalgam alloys to bleaching agents released greater amounts of Hg compared to exposing samples to deionized [corrected] water.

Comparison of two at-home whitening products of similar peroxide concentration and different delivery methods.

PURPOSE: This study compared the whitening efficacy, side effects, and patients' preferences/perceptions of two whitening systems of similar peroxide concentration but different formulation and delivery methods. METHODS: The tooth color change of 24 participants was measured using a shade guide (BSG) and a spectrophotometer (ES). Color difference was calculated: ΔE* = [(ΔL*)(2) + (Δa*)(2) + (Δb*)(2)](1/2). One whitening treatment was randomly applied to the right or left maxillary anterior teeth and the other was applied to the contralateral teeth, at-home with 35% carbamide peroxide in a tray (TW) or with 14% hydrogen peroxide in strips (WS). The tooth color was evaluated at baseline, 15 and 30 days (15 days postwhitening). Participants rated their tooth and soft tissue sensitivity (1-10 scale) and completed a questionnaire on their preferences. Results were analyzed by repeated measurement regression analysis/Tukey and Mann-Whitney (p<0.05). RESULTS: At 15 days, the teeth treated with TW and WS presented ΔE* = 7 and 6, respectively (ΔBSG=3 for both), and at 30 days, they presented ΔE* = 7.5 and 6.5, respectively (ΔBSG=3 for both). There was no significant difference in tooth and soft tissue sensitivity between treatments. No participant reported tooth and gingival sensitivity at the postwhitening appointment. Of the participants, 83% preferred the TW over WS. CONCLUSION: Both ΔE* and ΔBSG showed no significant difference in tooth color change between TW and SW at either time point. By the end of the study no participants reported tooth and gingival sensitivity. Participants preferred TW over SW.

Long-term efficacy of in-office and at-home bleaching: a 2-year double-blind randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This parallel, double-blind randomized clinical trial evaluated the 2-year bleaching efficacy and sensitivity produced by at-home (AH) and in-office (IO) bleaching therapies. METHODS: 60 participants with tooth color darker than C2, without restorations in the anterior dentition and older than 18 years old, were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either IO with 35% hydrogen peroxide or AH with 16% carbamide peroxide. Color was recorded at baseline (BA); 1-week (1W); end of the treatment (ET); and 2 years (2Y) after bleaching, using the Vita Classical shade guide. The perception of TS was recorded on a 0-4 scale during and 2Y after bleaching. The variation in shade guide units (deltaSGU) from BA vs. 1W was compared to deltaSGU from BA vs. 2Y using paired t-test. The percentage of subjects who reported TS was evaluated by Fisher's exact test. The intensity of TS was evaluated by a Mann-Whitney test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Both bleaching techniques demonstrated equivalent and significant tooth color shade lightening. No significant color rebound occurred after 2Y for both techniques (P= 0.77 and 0.87, for AH and IO respectively). The absolute risk of TS was similar for IO and AH (P= 0.12), however the intensity of TS was significantly higher for IO (P= 0.001). No subjects reported sensitivity after 2Y.

Nightguard vital bleaching: side effects and patient satisfaction 10 to 17 years post-treatment.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The long-term patient satisfaction and safety of nightguard vital bleaching (NGVB) requires further evaluation. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients' satisfaction and identify side effects of NGVB up to 17 years post-treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one participants who had completed previous NGVB studies using 10% carbamide peroxide were contacted at least 10 years post-treatment (range 10-17 years, average 12.3 years). Participants reported shade satisfaction (very satisfied [VS], partially satisfied [PS], or not satisfied [NS]) as well as potential complications. Participants had teeth # 6 to 11 examined for tooth vitality, gingival inflammation (Löe's Gingival Index [GI]), and radiographically for external cervical resorption (ECR). RESULTS: All of the participants had successful lightening of their teeth. Sixty-one percent (19) had not retreated their teeth. Of those who had not retreated their teeth and who responded to the question of whitening satisfaction, 31% (4/13) were VS, 54% (7/13) were PS, and 15% (2/13) were NS with their current shade. Of those who had retreated their teeth, all were VS or PS. Ninety-one percent of the examined teeth had GI = 0 (normal), 7% had GI = 1 (mild inflammation), and 2% had GI = 2 (moderate inflammation). Sixty-nine percent of teeth tested responded to a cold stimulus. Radiographs did not detect ECR or apical lesions. No participant reported having a gingival biopsy post-treatment, and 87% would whiten again. CONCLUSIONS: Patient satisfaction with NGVB may last as long as 12.3 years in average (range 10-17 years) post-treatment. GI and ECR findings were considered within the normal expectations for the sample studied, suggesting minimal clinical post-NGVB side effects up to 17 years. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Nightguard vital bleaching provides patient satisfaction with minimal side effects up to 17 years post-treatment.

Occurrence of sensitivity during at-home and in-office tooth bleaching therapies with or without use of light sources.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tooth bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) or 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP), with or without quartz-tungsten-halogen light or hybrid source LED/infrared laser exposition on the occurrence duration, intensity and location of tooth sensitivity Forty patients were selected and randomly divided into four groups: GI--home bleaching with CP for 4 hours a day, over the course of 3 weeks; GII--three sessions of HP with three 10-minute applications at each session and no light source; GIII--the same procedure as GII with quartz-tungsten-halogen light irradiation; GIV--the same procedure as GII with LED/laser light irradiation. The evaluation included an appointment with each patient before and after each HP bleaching session or each weekly CP bleaching and 7, 30 and 180 days after the end of treatment. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that the duration and intensity of post-treatment sensitivity were significantly higher for HP than for CP (p< 0.05), and symptoms were located predominantly in anterior teeth. All bleaching methods generated sensitivity, which was more frequent in anterior teeth. However, treatment with CP generated lower sensitivity than treatment with HP independently of the light sources.

Is it time to reconsider the use of vital teeth bleaching in children and adolescents in Europe?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether carbamide peroxide is effective in bleaching vital permanent teeth in children. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using all keywords relevant to the research subject. The outcome measures were identified as colour change, tooth sensitivity, oral irritation and patient satisfaction. The certainty of evidence for each outcome was assessed using the current GRADE guidelines. RESULTS: Of 115 potentially relevant articles, 112 were excluded, as they did not exclusively involve children, intervention involved additional treatment such as microabrasion or restorative work, or case studies. Patient satisfaction was not assessed in the three articles so no analysis could be made with regards to this outcome. The GRADE assessment showed that all of the three articles demonstrated very low certainty of evidence for the other assessed outcomes. The overall findings from the studies suggest that a 10% carbamide peroxide overnight tray system is effective at bleaching vital permanent teeth in children and associated tooth sensitivity and oral irritation are found to be in a similar range compared to those reported in adult studies. However, due to the very low certainty of the evidence, it is not possible to draw these conclusions. CONCLUSION: Better quality randomised controlled trials are needed to investigate the indication, short and long term effectiveness and side effects of carbamide teeth in vital permanent teeth in children.

Undesirable and adverse effects of tooth-whitening products: a review.

Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) is a powerful oxidising agent. It gives rise to agents known to be effective bleaching agents. The mechanisms of bleaching involve the degradation of the extracellular matrix and oxidation of chromophores located within enamel and dentin. However, H(2)O(2) produces also local undesirable effects on tooth structures and oral mucosa. In clinical conditions, the daily low-level doses used to produce tooth whitening never generate general acute and sub-acute toxic effects. Genotoxicity and carcinogenicity only occur at concentrations that are never reached during dental treatments. Some transient adverse effects have been reported on the oral mucosa and the digestive tract if the product is swallowed. Local effects may occur on the oral mucosa and dental tissues during whitening, namely, pulp sensitivity, cervical resorption, release of selected components of dental restorative materials, and alteration of the enamel surface. Most of the local effects are dependent of the technique and concentration of the product so far used, but as the results of bleaching obtained are not stable, repeated treatments add to the adverse effects. The informed decision to administer or not and the control of bleaching effects should stand in the hand of dental surgeons and certainly not as it appears at present, as cosmetics sold without any restriction despite the potential health hazards of peroxides.

Comparison of at-home and in-office tooth whitening using a novel shade guide.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the time necessary for at-home whitening (HW) to match the results of an in-office (OW) treatment, side effects and patients' preferences/perceptions. METHODS: The tooth color change of 20 subjects was measured using a shade guide (BSG) and spectrophotometer (ES). Color difference was calculated: delta E* = [(delta L*)2 + (delta a*ab)2 + (delta b*ab)2]1/2. The whitening treatments were randomly applied to the right or left maxillary anterior teeth, in-office, with 25% hydrogen peroxide or at-home, overnight, with 10% carbamide peroxide. The tooth color was evaluated at baseline, one day after OW, six days (five days after HW) and at 20 days (14 days after HW and 19 days OW). Subjects rated their tooth and soft tissue sensitivity (1-10 scale). The results were analyzed by two-way RM ANOVA/Tukey's and Mann-Whitney (p<0.05). RESULTS: At six days, the teeth that were treated with HW and OW presented delta E* = 5.2 and 6.6, respectively, delta BSG = 3, and at 20 days, they presented delta E* = 6.2 and 6.6, respectively, delta BSG = 3. Less than 40% of the subjects experienced tooth sensitivity after OW and HW. No subjects experienced tooth and gingival sensitivity at 20 days. Seventy-four percent preferred HW over OW, 63% recommended OW and 100% recommended HW. CONCLUSION: While there was a subtle difference in delta E* between HW and OW at six days, the measurement of delta E* and delta BSG agreed that five days of home whitening produced the same results as a single in-office treatment. The tissue and teeth sensitivity were mild and transient. Subjects preferred and would recommend HW over OW.

Microhardness evaluation of in situ vital bleaching and thickening agents on human dental enamel.

Bleaching systems and thickening agents lead to changes in the tooth enamel matrix as a result of an unspecific oxidation of the bleaching gel in the enamel. This reaction may result in a loss of mineral content and a decrease in microhardness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different bleaching systems and their thickening agents on the microhardness of human enamel in situ. Two dental slabs (3 x 3 x 2 mm) obtained from third molars were fixed on the buccal facial aspects of the maxillary first molars in a group of 45 volunteers. The volunteers were treated with 10% carbamide peroxide gel with carbopol as the thickening agent (group 1), 2% carbopol gel (group 2), 10% carbamide peroxide paste with poloxamer as the thickening agent (group 3), poloxamer (group 4), or 6.5% hydrogen peroxide strips for 21 days (group 5) (experimental treatment factor). The effects of the experimental treatment were evaluated by microhardness tests performed both before and after treatment (time factor). Data were submitted to split-plot analysis of variance and Tukey tests. Only time showed a statistically significant difference (P < .0001). All treatments reduced the enamel microhardness during treatment. Clinically, a reduction in microhardness can be expected after dental bleaching.

Effect of the diffusion of bleaching agents through enamel on dentin bonding at different depths.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of two concentrations of bleaching agents applied over enamel surfaces on the dentin bonding at different depths. METHODS: Twenty-four bovine incisors were sectioned, obtaining three fragments per tooth (4x4 mm). Each fragment presented a 0.7 mm enamel thickness; and the dentin thickness varied according to the experimental group: 0.5 mm, 1 mm or 1.5 mm. Fragments from each dentin-thickness were allocated into three groups (n=8): G1: Control (no bleaching); G2: 16% carbamide peroxide (6 hours/14 days); G3: 35% hydrogen peroxide (three 15-minute treatments). 24 hours after enamel bleaching, the adhesive system was applied and dentin surfaces were restored with resin composite cylinders (2 mm diameter and 1 mm height). The micro-shear testing was performed immediately after restorative procedures, at a speed of 0.5 mm/minute until failure. Bond strength values, in MPa, were statistically analyzed (split-plot ANOVA/Tukey alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Means obtained were: G1-0.5 mm: 13.5, G1-1 mm: 9.48, G1-1.5 mm: 9.01; G2-0.5 mm: 9.64, G2-1 mm: 9.44, G2-1.5 mm: 9.27; G3-0.5 mm: 11.68, G3-1 mm: 11.64, G3-1.5 mm: 7.63. Regardless of the dentin thickness, bleached groups presented bond strengths similar to that of control groups. Nevertheless, significant differences among dentin depths were detected (P=0.02); and the lowest bond strength was observed on the deepest dentin (1.5 mm). The diffusion of bleaching agents through enamel surfaces did not affect the bond strength to dentin, which is highly dependent on the morphology/depth of the substrate.

The effect of bleaching time on dentin fracture toughness in vitro.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A recent study reported a decrease in dentin fracture toughness after the application of peroxide bleaching products to dentin in vitro. PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to investigate this in vitro decrease in fracture toughness further by evaluating the effect of different peroxide application times on dentin fracture toughness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Compact test fracture toughness specimens were prepared from coronal human. These were divided into five groups (N = 12) and subjected to either bleach (10% carbamide peroxide) and/or placebo gel for a total of 336 consecutive hours (0 and 336, 84 and 252, 168 and 168, 252 and 84, 336 and 0 hours of bleach and placebo application time, respectively). The gel materials were changed every 6 hours. Fracture toughness testing was done 24 hours after the end of bleaching using tensile loading at 10 mm/min. Results were analyzed by analysis of variance and linear regression (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Dentin fracture toughness after 252 and 336 hours was significantly reduced compared to the 0- and 84-hour bleach times. An association between fracture toughness and bleach time (r(2) = 0.82) with an inverse linear regression line (K(1C) = -0.0032 [hour] + 3.386) was found. CONCLUSIONS: A significant correlation was found between bleach time and dentin fracture toughness. Dentin fracture toughness was reduced over time during the 336-hour course of in vitro bleaching. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results suggest that it would be prudent to minimize the length of time for clinical bleaching procedures when dentin is directly exposed to bleach.

Effect of prerestorative home-bleaching on microleakage of self-etch adhesives.

BACKGROUND: Tooth bleaching has become a routine treatment due to patients' esthetic demands. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate how prerestorative home-bleaching affected microleakage of resin composite restorations bonded with etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty extracted human premolar teeth were used. The bleaching agent (10% carbamide peroxide) was applied to the buccal surface of each tooth for 6 hours a day for 2 weeks. The lingual surfaces of the same teeth received no application (control). The teeth were stored in artificial saliva. After 14 days, standardized Class V cavity preparations (2 mm high, 3 mm wide, and 2 mm deep) were made on the buccal and lingual surfaces with all margins in the enamel. They were randomly divided into five groups according to the adhesive systems: an etch-and-rinse adhesive (Single Bond [SB]), two two-step self-etch adhesives (Adper SE Plus [ASE] and One Coat [OC]), and two one-step self-etch adhesives (Adper Easy One [EO] and G-Bond [GB]). All adhesives were applied according to the manufacturers' instructions. The preparations were then restored using the same hybrid composite (Filtek Z250) in one increment and light-cured. The teeth were thermocycled (5/55 degrees C, 1,000x) and immersed in dye, then sectioned, and dye penetration was scored. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests. RESULTS: Although statistically significant differences were found between the adhesive systems in the bleached teeth, no differences were observed in the control groups (non-bleached teeth). There were significant differences between SB/GB, SB/EO, SB/OC, and GB/ASE in the bleached teeth (p < 0.05). When comparing bleached and non-bleached teeth within each adhesive system, only SB and EO produced higher leakage scores when bleaching was applied. The other groups showed no difference in terms of bleaching (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prerestorative home-bleaching had an adverse effect on microleakage of SB and EO. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The effect of prerestorative home-bleaching agents on microleakage of composite resin restorations differs according to the type of adhesive material used.

Can intra-coronally bleached teeth be bonded safely after antioxidant treatment?

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of antioxidant treatment and delayed bonding, following intra-coronal bleaching, on the shear bond strength (SBS) and bond failure site of brackets bonded to enamel. Eighty mandibular incisors were divided into four equal groups. After root canal filling, specimens in Group 1 were used as control and not bleached. For experimental groups 2 to 4, bleaching agent was placed into the rest of the cavity for a four-day period and this bleaching treatment was performed two times. In Group 2, specimens were bonded immediately after bleaching; in Group 3, specimens were bleached and then immersed in artificial saliva for 30 days before bonding; in Group 4, specimens were bleached, treated with an antioxidant agent, and then bonded. The SBS values of bonded brackets were measured in megapascal (MPa), while adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were determined after the brackets failed. The SBS values of Group 1 (mean: 20.3+/-7.1 MPa) and Group 4 (mean: 18.2+/-6.1 MPa) were significantly higher (p>0.001) than those of Group 2 (mean: 4.9+/-3.2 MPa) and Group 3 (mean: 8.7+/-4.9 MPa). No significant differences in SBS were found between Groups 1 and 4, and between Groups 2 and 3.