In vitro action of various carbamide peroxide gel bleaching agents on the micro hardness of human enamel

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of different carbamide peroxide based gels on micro hardness of enamel exposed to these agents for a period of 8 h daily for a total of 1 week. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty enamel specimens of 5 × 5-mm dimensions were sectioned from labial surface of maxillary incisor teeth and were embedded in Bakelite. Each block is polished to facilitate micro hardness testing. Pre-bleaching hardness values of 30 samples were measured using Vickers micro hardness tester. After exposing the specimens for different agents for 8 h daily for 1 week, post-exposure micro hardness values were taken and evaluated. CONCLUSION: With increase in concentration of carbamide peroxide gel from 10% to 16%, mean micro hardness values decreased but to an insignificant level.