Dental bond strength is significantly reduced when bonding is performed immediately after bleaching treatments. It has also been reported that the application of an antioxidant after bleaching treatment improves the adhesive bond strength of oxidized enamel tissue. The application of an antioxidant in gel form by the patient makes the application process easier and shortens time spent in the clinic.
SUMMARYMany studies have shown a considerable reduction in the enamel bond strength of resin composite restorations when the bonding procedure is carried out immediately after bleaching. These studies claim that a certain waiting period is needed prior to performing the restoration in order to attain the original bond strength values. This study determined the most effective time duration for the application of sodium ascorbate prepared in gel form. The labial surfaces of 70 bovine incisors were polished with 600-grit silicon carbide paper on a water-irrigated metallurgical polishing wheel. The specimens were randomly divided into seven groups: 1) bleaching (10% Rembrandt Xtra-Comfort +) immersed in artificial saliva for seven days, 2) bonded immediately after bleaching, 3) bleaching + 10% sodium ascorbate (SA) gel for 10 minutes, 4) bleaching + 10% SA gel for 60 minutes, 5) bleaching + 10% SA gel for 120 minutes, 6) bleaching + 10% SA gel for 240 minutes and 7) bleaching + 10% SA gel for 480 minutes. After preparation, a standardshaped resin composite was applied to all specimens. The teeth were stored in distilled water at 37˚C for 24 hours and a universal testing machine determined their shear bond strength. The data were evaluated using ANOVA and Tukey tests. Antioxidant gel proved to be effective for increasing the shear bond strength of the resin composite to enamel. For maximum effectiveness, antioxidant gel should be applied to enamel for