Abstract

Effect of bleaching agents on untreated and erosively damaged dental enamel samples

The present in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of bleaching agents with varying concentrations (7.5 - 13.5 % hydrogen peroxide, 35 % carbamide peroxide) and pH-values (4.9 - 10.8) on enamel samples. Besides their effect on untreated enamel surfaces, the bleaching agents were also tested on erosively damaged enamel samples. Analytic measures were the documentation of surface roughness by perthometer and the quantitative elementary analysis by an electron probe micro-analyzer. The study demonstrated that acidic bleaching agents and high peroxide concentration resulted in a significant increase of surface roughness and mineral loss. If the enamel surface has been previously exposed to erosive agents, subsequent bleaching may enhance damage of the dental hard tissue. Patients with erosive defects who wish to have a tooth bleaching must be informed about possible complications and damage of the tooth surface.

Key words: In-vitro-study, bleaching agents, dental erosion, surface roughness, electron probe micro-analyzer