What adverse effects does tooth-whitening have on dental restorations?

Introduction: The popularity of tooth whitening has increased in recent years as patients continue to seek treatments to improve their dental appearance. However, current literature suggests that tooth whitening may have adverse effects on both restorative materials and dental restorations. This literature review was carried out to summarise these possible adverse effects of tooth whitening on amalgam, composite, glass ionomer, porcelain and gold.
Method: Two electronic databases (PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection) were searched to find relevant literature from 2006-2017.
Findings: Existing literature has shown that bleaching may have a detrimental effect on restorative materials and that any adverse effects are likely to be material dependent. Much of the evidence currently available relates to in-vitro laboratory studies and methodology differences between studies have led to contradictory results. There is a need for more high quality, controlled in-vivo studies. Prior to carrying out tooth whitening procedures, clinicians should advise patients of possible changes to their existing dental restorations, and that in some cases, post-operative re-polishing or replacement of restorations may be required.

Keywords: Whitening Adverse Materials Restorations