BLEACHING EFFECT AND SURFACE CHANGE INDUCED BY 3 BLEACHING AGENTS ON THE EXTRINSICALLY STAINED TEETH

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the bleaching effect and the surface change according to three bleaching agents (Rembrandt, Natural White, Hi-Lite). Teeth were stained by artificial food colorants for 6 weeks and bleached for 4 weeks. The teeth were evaluated with spectrophotometer after bleaching on the 1st week and on the 4th week. The surface change of enamel was evaluated under SEM after exposure to 3 agents for 1 and 24 hours. The results were as follows : 1. All groups showed increased Lightness difference after bleaching. 2. After 1 week, only Rembrandt group showed significant bleaching effect compared to control group. 3. After 4 weeks, Rembrandt group and Hi-Lite group showed significant bleaching effect compared to control group. 4. SEM evaluation revealed that enamel surface underwent considerable change after 24 hours. Scratch disappeared and smooth surface was shown.