A SEM evaluation of a 6% hydrogen peroxide tooth whitening gel on dental materials in vitro

Summary Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a novel 6% hydrogen peroxide gel on the surface morphology of dental gold, amalgam, porcelain and composite. Methods. Admixed high-copper amalgam and hybrid resin composite specimens were prepared in extracted teeth using standard clinical procedures. Feldspathic porcelain and type III gold specimens were prepared in a mould using standard laboratory procedures. One half of the specimens were covered with nail varnish to serve as the control side, leaving the other half exposed. The specimens were treated with pooled whole saliva (1 h), followed by the peroxide gel (20 min), rinsing with water and returning to saliva. This cycling protocol was continued until a total of 28 treatments with the peroxide gel were completed. The samples were prepared for SEM. Results. There were no observable differences at 200 £ and 2000 £ magnifications between the control and peroxide gel treated sides on any of the materials tested. Conclusions. There were no significant effects of the 6% hydrogen peroxide gel on the surface morphology of any of the dental materials tested.