Tooth Bleaching Effects on Composite Restorations

The aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of bleaching agents on composite restorations. Publications were searched in PubMed and Lilacs databases and the analyzed papers were published between 2002 and 2012. The bleaching agents evaluated were the hydrogen peroxide and the carbamide peroxide in different concentrations and techniques. The main characteristics of the composite resins were microhardness, roughness and color. The literature review revealed that most of the changes in the surface hardness of the composite occur due to the action of peroxides on the resin matrix of the restorative material. It was also observed that bleaching agents increase the surface roughness of composite resin restorations, and this effect was dependent on the concentration and composition of the bleaching agent used, the chemical characteristics of the composite resin and the period of the treatment. Finally, the color of the restorative material can also be changed after its contact with peroxides. It can be concluded that bleaching agents change the physical characteristics of composite resin restorations.