Mineral loss and morphological changes in dental enamel induced by a 16% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel

Braz Dent J. 2013 Sep-Oct;24(5):517-21. doi: 10.1590/0103-6440201302225.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a 16% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel and a 10% CP gel on mineralized enamel content and morphology. Enamel blocks from bovine incisors were subjected to a 14-day treatment (8 h/day) with 10% or 16% CP gels. Knoop microhardness was evaluated before bleaching and at 1, 7 or 14 days after this treatment (50 g/15 s). Mineral content (energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy), surface roughness and topography (atomic force microscopy) were evaluated at the 14-day period. Data were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Significant microhardness reduction was observed at the 7 th and 14 th days for 10% CP gel, and for all bleaching times for 16% CP gel (p<0.05). At the 14-day period, a significant decrease in Ca and P content, increase on surface roughness (p<0.05) as well as on picks and valleys distance were observed when both bleaching gels were used. These enamel alterations were more intense for 16% CP gel. It was concluded that both CP-based gels promoted loss of mineral structure from enamel, resulting in a rough and porous surface. However, 16% CP gel caused the most intense adverse effects on enamel.

MeSH terms

  • Carbamide Peroxide
  • Dental Enamel / drug effects*
  • Gels
  • Hardness Tests
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Peroxides / administration & dosage
  • Peroxides / adverse effects*
  • Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission
  • Tooth Bleaching / methods*
  • Tooth Demineralization / chemically induced*
  • Urea / administration & dosage
  • Urea / adverse effects
  • Urea / analogs & derivatives*

Substances

  • Gels
  • Peroxides
  • Carbamide Peroxide
  • Urea