ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the available information concerning the effects of peroxide-releasing whitening agents on composite restorative materials and restorations. The influence of various whitening agents on physical properties, surface morphology, and color of composite restorative materials has been investigated in several in vitro studies simulating the clinical situation as closely as possible. Some studies that did not simulate a salivary effect have shown that application of whitening agents might lead to a slight increase in surface roughness and amount of porosities of microfilled and hybrid composite resins. The influence of whitening agents on enamel and dentin bond strength seems to be more pronounced for highly concentrated agents. Controversy still exists regarding whether prerestorative external whitening with 10% carbamide peroxide does impair the marginal seal of Class V restorations. Whitening with hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen peroxide–releasing preparations may have a negative effect on restorations and restorative materials.
