Effects of external bleaching on restorative materials: a review

With the increasingly commercial emphasis on dental esthetics, patients have become more interested in improving the appearance of their smile. For many, whiter teeth is their chief goal. However, when considering dental bleaching, practitioners need to take certain precautions. Over the past decade, multiple studies have evaluated the effects of bleaching agents on restorative materials. This article reviews their conclusions, focusing mainly on the clinical impact these agents can have on amalgam, porcelain, ormocer, glass ionomer, compomer and composite resin restorations.