A scanning electron microscopy study of the effect of bleaching agents on enamel: a preliminary report

The effect of bleaching agents on the enamel surface was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The comparison of treated to untreated enamel revealed that the treated surface had increased surface change and porosity after the equivalent of 30 hours of exposure to the bleaching agent. The degree of alteration of enamel surface was not uniform and was influenced by cleanliness (oral hygiene) of the treated teeth and apparent variation in calcification. The enamel surface developed varying degrees of surface porosity and alteration.