title: Nightguard vital bleaching: effects on enamel surface texture and diffusion.
abstract: A recently reported technique for bleaching vital discolored teeth involves the use of a mouthguard and 10% carbamide peroxide without preoperative etching or postoperative polishing of the enamel. This in vitro study evaluated the effects of the bleaching agent on the surface texture of the enamel. Thirty-three extracted teeth were subjected to 10% carbamide peroxide for a period equivalent to 5 weeks of nighttime wear. A control area on each tooth had been covered and sealed. All discolored teeth experienced lightening, but there was no difference in color between the treated and control areas; the color-changing effects apparently extend to portions of the tooth not in direct contact with the solution. Epoxy replicas of the teeth were examined under a scanning electron microscope. No etching was apparent, and no difference in surface texture between treated and control areas was detected.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7450.
authors.forename: V B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Haywood
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Leech
authors.forename: H O
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Heymann
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Crumpler
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bruggers
mesh_terms: D001641:Bicuspid; D000077463:Carbamide Peroxide; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D010545:Peroxides; D013499:Surface Properties; D014073:Tooth Bleaching / Q000379:methods*; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000628:therapy; D014508:Urea / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D010545:Peroxides; D000077463:Carbamide Peroxide; D014508:Urea