The effect of 30% hydrogen peroxide on the color of compomers

The interaction between bleaching agents and recently introduced compomers has several issues that need to be explored, including morphology and mechanical properties. To investigate the effect of 30% hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent, on the color of compomers, three compomers (Compoglass F, Elan, and F2000) were polymerized, bleached up to 120 h, and then measured to determine the reflectance of the specimen during the bleaching process. Color differences were evaluated from the reflectance and color values that were represented by CIE L*a*b* values. Compomers stored in distilled water were used as a source of reference. Teeth were also used for comparison. Color differences for both the tested teeth and compomers and different periods of bleaching and soaking in distilled water showed statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). Among the tested compomers, Compoglass F demonstrated the highest color difference. In addition, the color differences were maximal during the first 24 h. After 24 h, the color difference increased nearly linearly. Compomers stored in both a bleaching agent and distilled water did not exhibit much color difference between them. However, the color difference between teeth and compomers was considerable. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.