Surface Modifications on Aesthetically Restored Teeth following Home Bleaching with 16% Peroxide Carbamide

OBJECTIVES: This clinical study evaluated the effects of a highly concentrated home-bleaching agent on the surface morphology of aesthetically restored teeth. METHODS: Specimens of human enamel and micro-hybrid composite resin were randomly adhered to the buccal side of right premolar and molar teeth of ten volunteers, who underwent a routine home-bleaching procedure with 16% carbamide peroxide on the upper jaw for 8 days. The mandibular unbleached specimens served as paired controls (n=10). Ultra-structural assessment of the sample was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, and the resulting images were blindly evaluated for topographical alterations. The differences between groups were calculated with the Mann-Whitney test adjusted at the 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The bleached enamel presented significantly more morphological changes than the control group. The aspect of resin composite exposed to the whitening substance was statistically similar to that observed in the corresponding control group (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of surface topography changes during home bleaching of aesthetically restored teeth with 16% carbamide peroxide was restricted to enamel.