Effects of home bleaching products on composite resins

A number of home bleaching products have recently been introduced. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of three representative bleaching products on the microhardness and surface texture of hybrid and microfilled composite resins. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed cracking of the microfilled specimens treated with carbamide peroxide gels (Proxigel and White & Brite). White & Brite also caused slight roughening of the hybrid composite resin. Microhardness tests indicated that the treated composite resins became somewhat softer. However, the only statistically significant softening was associated with White & Brite.