Aim: This study evaluated the influence of bleaching agents on the surface roughness and topography of two resin based restorative materials; Tetric Ceram resin composite and F2000 compomer after different time intervals.
Materials and Method: A total of 180 specimens were prepared from both restorative materials; 90 specimens from Tetric Ceram and the other 90 from F2000. Surface roughness was measured before any treatment. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva [no treatment], or bleached with 15%carbamide peroxide or 35%carbamide peroxide for different times; 24 hours, one week or one month. Surface roughness was again measured and the difference from pretreatment measurements was statistically analyzed. The morphological changes were evaluated using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope.
Results: Bleaching using 15%carbamide peroxide, and 35%carbamide peroxide increased significantly the surface roughness of Tetric ceram and F2000 compared to control group after hours, one week. After one month, the difference was statistically non-significant. Regarding storage times, the surface roughness increased significantly from 24 hours to one week to one month. Comparing both materials, surface roughness values were statistically non-significant following different treatments at different times. SEM examination revealed that bleaching increases surface roughness for Tetric Ceram and F2000 especially with increased time.
Conclusion: Home bleaching agents enhanced the changes in surface roughness and topography of hybrid resin composite and compomer.