The CIELAB colorimetric system was used for the study of the relationship between measured color difference values and human observer responses. This study verified that a specific, visually meaningful and precise relationship exists between the magnitude and direction of the measurements and the average dental-observer responses. The results support the use of this system in dentistry as a means of evaluating color by differences. The further development of such systems for clinical use would be warranted and could serve as a valuable tool for material selection and restoration design, particularly in the area of aesthetic restorative dentistry.

The application of home-bleaching procedures as a means of lightening multiple teeth has become increasingly popular. Very few studies, however, have determined the effect of this treatment upon dental hard tissues. This in vitro study evaluated the effects of a 10% carbamide peroxide gel on the apparent fracture toughness, hardness, and abrasion characteristics of human enamel. The apparent fracture toughness of enamel was reduced by about 30% after bleaching for a period of 12 hours with no significant change in surface hardness. Enamel treated with the bleaching gels also exhibited a small but significant decrease in abrasion resistance. This behavior was most likely due to an alteration of the organic matrix of enamel under the chemical action of hydrogen peroxide. Further investigation of the clinical significance of this process is needed.

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