Evaluation of Enamel Surface Properties Submitted to Bleaching With 35% Hydrogen Peroxide Associated With Titanium Tetrafluoride (TiF₄)

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the color change, surface roughness, mineral content and morphology of enamel bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) combined with an experimental gel containing 1% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4).Materials and Methods: Bovine enamel blocks were treated with (n = 12): (TiF) experimental gel containing 1% TiF4, (HP) 35% HP, (HPT) 35% HP + 1% TiF4 and (CT) control. Bleaching with HP was performed in 3 sessions (3 × 15 min/applications). pH, colorimetric parameters, surface roughness, mineral content and enamel morphology were determined. The pH was evaluated for 45 min. The color parameters were determined before bleaching (T0), and 14 days elapsed from the last bleaching session (T4). Surface roughness was analyzed at T0 and immediately after last bleaching session (T3). Enamel mineral content and morphology were verified at T4. Data were statistically analyzed by one‐way, two‐way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis (α = 0.05).Results: TiF increased surface roughness, and no differences between HP and HPT in terms of color and – mineral content. Ti was detected only on TiF, and slight surface morphology changes were observed in bleached enamel.Conclusions: The combination of TiF4 and 35% HP did not interfere with the enamel bleaching effect, controlled surface roughness, and kept mineral content but promoted a minor surface morphology alteration.Clinical SignificanceDue to the adverse effects of bleaching, titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) has gained attention for its therapeutic properties, including the ability to reverse mineral loss and neutralize remineralization of mineral structures. Therefore, TiF4's remineralizing capacity may be a good alternative for incorporation into hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents.