Background: Bleaching agents are commonly used in dentistry for treating the discolored teeth. A number of biomaterials and methods are in clinical applications.
Objective: The major aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different bleaching agents on the surface roughness properties of dental resin nanocomposites and dental porcelains using various regimes.
Methods: This study was conducted using direct restorative hybrid and nanocomposite materials and dental porcelains. The specimens were treated using the bleaching gels [(Opalescence Boost 40% OP) and (Whiteness HP 35% WHP)] for 30, 45, 60 and 120 minutes respectively. Treated samples were analyzed for surface roughness properties using contact mode surface profilometry and surface topography using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data was analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: There were no significant changes observed in the roughness of nanofill, nanohybrid composites and ceramic materials compared to microhybrid resin composites (p> 0.05). The SEM photomicrographs confirmed the results of the profilometer showing slight changes in the microhybrid resin composite.
Conclusions: No remarkable difference was observed between the bleaching agents (Opalescence Boost and Whiteness HP Blue) for the surface roughness of tested dental materials. The bleaching agents can be used without harming the ceramic, nanofilled or nanohybrid resin restorations. However, if microhybrid or microfilled composite restorations are present in the oral cavity, bleaching may damage the surface finish and requiring replacement of restorations.
Keywords: Bleaching system; SEM; composite; dental porcelain; surface properties.