Over-the-counter bleaching agents can help with tooth whitening maintenance.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the influence of over-the-counter agents on the maintenance of color and microhardness of the enamel after home bleaching protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens of bovine teeth (6 × 6 × 2 mm) were prepared, and color (Easyshade, VITA) and microhardness (HMV-2, Shimadzu) readings were performed. All the specimens were bleached using 22% carbamide peroxide (22%CP), except for the control group, and then separated into seven groups (n = 10) according to the interaction of toothpaste (whitening, conventional, and whitening with peroxide) and mouth rinse (whitening and conventional). The study simulated 1 year of toothbrushing (Pepsodent, MAVTEC) and mouth rinse by immersion. After that, final color and microhardness measurements were performed. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Tukey's test (P < .05). RESULTS: The group submitted to 22%CP + whitening toothpaste + whitening mouth rinse showed higher color maintenance (P < .05) than the control group. The perception of whitening of teeth (ΔWID ) was higher than the color change (ΔE00 ). There was a decrease in microhardness after treatment with 22%CP + conventional toothpaste + whitening mouth rinse. CONCLUSIONS: Over-the-counter products can help with the maintenance of tooth whitening after bleaching with carbamide peroxide; however, special attention should be given since the association of products can also reduce the microhardness of the dental enamel. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The association between whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses might be beneficial for maintaining color during 1 year after bleaching treatment.

Color stability and surface roughness of composite resins submitted to brushing with bleaching toothpastes: An in situ study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, in situ, the color stability (CS) and surface roughness (SR) of composite resins after toothbrushing with whitening toothpaste. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens (6 × 2 mm/) of composite resin (Tetric N-Ceram, Z250 and Z350) were randomly fixed on thirty participants' upper molars (buccal surface). For an initial standardization (7 days), participants used a soft toothbrush and nonwhitening toothpaste (SDB - Sorrisos Dentes Brancos). Initial CS (Easyshade) and SR (Surfcorder RS) measurements were performed. For SR, impressions of specimens were taken (Express, 3 M ESPE) to produce replicas in polyurethane resin (Axon F16, Abcol). Participants were randomly separated into three groups (n = 10) regarding used toothpaste (SDB; Close up White Now - CWN; Colgate Luminous White - CLW). After 90 days, CS and SR measurements were obtained, and data were analyzed (2-way ANOVA, repeated measures, Bonferroni, P < .05). RESULTS: Z250 showed higher (P < .05) color change than Z350. Tetric N-Ceram presented an intermediary value for ΔE, however, it also demonstrated higher SR (P < .05) after brushing with CLW, compared with SDB and CWN. CONCLUSIONS: The SR change of composite resin after toothbrushing with a whitening toothpaste is material dependent, but the toothpaste abrasiveness does not change the CS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Whitening toothpaste do not change the color stability of composites; however, it can alter the restorative composite surface roughness.