Effect of Vital Bleaching on the Flexural Strength of Teeth

Objectives: Vital bleaching agents could effect the physical and mechanical properties of teeth. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of vital bleaching agents on the flexural strength of the enamel dentin complex. Methods: 2x3x8x mm beams were cut from the facial surface of previously extracted bovine incisors. The dentinal part of the teeth was covered by wax. The specimens were divided into four groups of 12 based on the kind of bleaching agent. Group A) 9% Perfecta Bravo, Group B) 15 % Opalescence, Group C) 20% Opalescence and Group D) Control. The experimental groups were immersed in vatial bleaching agent for a period of two weeks according to the instruction of manufacturer. The control group was immersed in synthetic saliva. Flexural strength testing was performed 24 hours after the last treatment using an Instron testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.2 mm/min. The results were analyzed by one way ANOVA (p<0.05). Results: There was no significant differences among groups (P>0.05). Mean Data were A: 123.99, B: 124.87,C: 162.98 and D: 141.26. Conclusion: Different concentration of bleaching agents evaluated in this study had no significant effect on flexural strength of enamel dentin complex.