AFM analysis of bleaching effects on dental enamel microtopography

• Published in: Applied surface science 2010-02, Vol.256 (9), p.2915-2919
• Main Authors: Pedreira de Freitas, Ana Carolina, Espejo, Luciana Cardoso, Botta, Sergio Brossi, Teixeira, Fernanda de Sa, Luz, Maria Aparecida A. Cerqueira, Garone-Netto, Narciso, Matos, Adriana Bona, Salvadori, Maria Cecilia Barbosa da Silveira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atomic force microscopy; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Dental enamel; Exact sciences and technology; Physics; Power spectrum density; Roughness parameters; Surface morphology analysis; Tooth bleaching
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2009.11.050

The purpose of this in vitro study was to test a new methodology to evaluate the effects of 35% hydrogen peroxide agent on the microtopography of sound enamel using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The buccal sound surfaces of three extracted human lower incisors were used, without polishing the surfaces to maintain them with natural morphology. These unpolished surfaces were subjected to bleaching procedure with 35% hydrogen peroxide that consisted of 4 applications of the bleaching agent on enamel surfaces for 10 min each application. Surface images were obtained in a 15 μm × 15 μm area using an AFM. The roughness (Ra and RMS) and the power spectral density (PSD) were obtained before and after the bleaching treatment. As results we could inquire that the PSD analyses were very suitable to identifying the morphological changes on the surfaces, while the Ra and RMS parameters were insufficient to represent the morphological alterations promoted by bleaching procedure on enamel. The morphological wavelength in the range of visible light spectrum (380–750 nm) was analyzed, showing a considerable increase of the PSD with the bleaching treatment.