PURPOSE: Lower average values of bond strength of adhesive systems to enamel bleached with 10% carbamide peroxide agents have been reported, but the effects of higher concentrations of carbamide peroxide bleaching agents are still unknown. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of enamel treated with different concentrations of carbamide peroxide to an adhesive system after a postbleaching period of storage in artificial saliva for 15 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven carbamide peroxide bleaching agents with concentrations varying from 10 to 22% were analyzed. A placebo agent was used as a control group. The agents were applied on the enamel fragments for 8 h/d for 42 days. During the remaining time, the specimens were stored in artificial saliva. After that time, the fragments were stored individually in artificial saliva for 15 days. An adhesive system was used to bond resin-based composite cylinders on the enamel surface. Shear bond strength tests were performed and the fractured surfaces of the specimens were visually examined with a stereomicroscope at x 30. RESULTS: The analysis of variance did not show differences in shear bond strength among the treatment agents. The fractures for all treatment agents were predominantly adhesive. CONCLUSION: After 15 days storage in artificial saliva, different concentrations of carbamide peroxide bleaching agents and a placebo agent had the same enamel shear bond strength values. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Concentrations varying from 10 to 22% carbamide peroxide agents cause no differences in shear bond strength of enamel to an adhesive system after 15 days of storage in artificial saliva.
PURPOSE: Lower average values of bond strength of adhesive systems to enamel bleached with 10% carbamide peroxide agents have been reported, but the effects of higher concentrations of carbamide peroxide bleaching agents are still unknown. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of enamel treated with different concentrations of carbamide peroxide to an adhesive system after a postbleaching period of storage in artificial saliva for 15 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven carbamide peroxide bleaching agents with concentrations varying from 10 to 22% were analyzed. A placebo agent was used as a control group. The agents were applied on the enamel fragments for 8 h/d for 42 days. During the remaining time, the specimens were stored in artificial saliva. After that time, the fragments were stored individually in artificial saliva for 15 days. An adhesive system was used to bond resin-based composite cylinders on the enamel surface. Shear bond strength tests were performed and the fractured surfaces of the specimens were visually examined with a stereomicroscope at x 30. RESULTS: The analysis of variance did not show differences in shear bond strength among the treatment agents. The fractures for all treatment agents were predominantly adhesive. CONCLUSION: After 15 days storage in artificial saliva, different concentrations of carbamide peroxide bleaching agents and a placebo agent had the same enamel shear bond strength values. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Concentrations varying from 10 to 22% carbamide peroxide agents cause no differences in shear bond strength of enamel to an adhesive system after 15 days of storage in artificial saliva.