Influence of Bleaching Regimen and Time Elapsed on Microtensile Bond Strength of Resin Composite to Enamel

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of time elapsed since bleaching and different bleaching regimens on the microtensile bond strength of resin composite to enamel.

Forty flattened buccal enamel surfaces were divided into four groups: An unbleached (control) group and three bleaching groups. Control group specimens were not subjected to a bleaching regimen (Group 1), while those in the bleaching groups were bleached as follows: opalescence 10% (Group 2), whiteness perfect 16% (Group 3), and whiteness hydrogen peroxide 35% (Group 4). Thereafter, the bleached specimens were divided into three subgroups (n = 4 teeth each) for restoration according to predetermined posttreatment time intervals (immediately, 1 week, and 2 weeks). Bonded specimens were then sectioned and subjected to μTBS testing. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests at α = 0.05.

There was a significant difference in the μTBS of the resin composite to enamel in groups that were bonded immediately after bleaching and in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the μTBS in Groups 2, 3, and 4 decreased significantly 1-week postbleaching (P < 0.05). No significant difference in μTBS was observed between the bleached and unbleached groups 2 weeks after treatment (P > 0.05).

Adhesive restorative procedures could not be performed immediately or after 1 week irrespective of the type or concentration of bleaching system used. Composite restorations on bleached enamel surfaces should be performed after an interval of at least 2 weeks.