Effect of whitening on the optical and mechanical properties of aged resin composites

What is it about?

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of bleaching on colour, gloss, translucency, and microhardness of two types of resin composites (Charisma Classic and Filtek Z350 XT), previously aged. Materials and methods: Forty specimens of each material were artificially aged for 300 hours (UV-accelerated aging). Specimens were then treated with 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP) in four 15-minutes sessions, totaling one hour of bleaching. Colour coordinates CIE L*a*b* and parameters of translucency (PT) were measured using a spectrophotometer (CM2600d – Konica Minolta), surface gloss readings were performed with a glossmeter (Novo-Curve – Rhopoint TM), and microhardness was assessed using a hardness device (FM-700, Future-Tech). Measurements have been performed after artificial aging as well as after the first and last bleaching protocol. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and two-way repeated measures ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s test (5%). Results: The bleaching procedures of aged resin composites decreased the gloss and increased the translucency, but did not alter colour and microhardness. Conclusion: Bleaching procedures should be used carefully when resin composite restorations are present. Keywords: colour, hardness, gloss, bleaching agents, composite resins.

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