INTRODUCTION: Tooth bleaching has proven to be a conservative esthetic solution for tooth discoloration, hydrogen peroxide (HP) is used as an active oxidizing agent for tooth whitening; it can be used either directly or indirectly by chemical reaction from carbamide peroxide (CP). So many patients suffer from discomfort and sensitivity during and after the bleaching procedure. The use of fluoride shows to be beneficial in reducing the adverse effects of bleaching on Enamel.
OBJECTIVES: The study was designed to evaluate the effect of fluoride incorporation in bleaching agents on enamel surface properties.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: twenty sound human premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were selected for the study. The selected premolars were randomly divided into 2 equal groups (10 teeth per group) as follows:
Study Group I: The teeth were bleached using 10% Carbamide peroxide.
Study Group II: The teeth were bleached using 10% CP containing 0.11% fluoride.
All the specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-hardness test.
RESULTS: after 14 days erosion pattern was noted in teeth from group 1 while the teeth of group 2 showed milder demineralization, group 1 showed significant decrease in micro-hardness compared to the base line whereas group 2 teeth that were treated with fluoridated bleaching agent showed insignificant reduction in micro-hardness.
CONCLUSIONS: incorporation of fluoride in bleaching agents reduces the adverse effects of bleaching on the enamel surface.