An In vitro Study on Post Bleaching Pigmentation Susceptibility of Teeth and Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis

BACKGROUND: To determine the susceptibility of teeth for repigmentation after bleaching. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty premolars were assigned to three groups (n = 12). Group 1 was bleached using 30% w/v hydrogen peroxide 15 min 3 times a day every other day for 4 days. In Group 2 was bleached using 16% carbamide peroxide (Polanight), 90 min a day for 15 days. 2 days later, the shades of the bleached teeth were recorded. Remaining 4 teeth were bleached according to Group 1 and 2 and were subjected to atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy analysis. RESULTS: Specimens of athome bleaching were lighter than the specimens of inoffice bleaching. CONCLUSION: The susceptibility of enamel to pigmentation can be increased after bleaching, and pigmentation is greater if bleaching is performed with H(2)O(2). The percentage change (lighter) was more for athome bleaching specimens as compared to inoffice bleaching specimens.