Background: Remineralizing of bleached enamel is a common procedure that aims to compensate enamel mineral lose. This study aimed to evaluate the remineralization effectiveness of experimentally prepared grape seed extract hydrogels (GSE) compared to fluoride gel on bleached enamel.
Material and methods: Thirty extracted maxillary incisor were bleached using white smile bleaching agent. Bleached specimens were divided into three groups (10/group) according to the remineralizing agents tested: [GSE 6%, GSE 10%, or fluoride gel]. After bleaching and remineralization procedure, the specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C. Micro-hardness and Energy-Dispersive X-ray and ultra-morphological evaluation were tested at baseline, after bleaching and after remineralization.
Results: Statistical significant decrease on mean micro-hardness values had resulted after bleaching procedure compared to baseline, followed by a significant increase in GSE (10%) and fluoride groups. GSE (6%) application showed the least statistical significant mean micro-hardness, which was statistically insignificant different compared to bleaching procedure. Elemental analysis results revealed a statistical significant decrease on Ca, and Ca/P ratios (At%) values after bleaching compared to baseline, followed by a significant increase after treatment with all tested remineralizing gels. SEM photomicrograph of sound enamel shows smooth uniform appearance with few pores. Bleached enamel showed irregular pitted disorganized enamel surface. Bleached enamel exposed to GSE and fluoride gel showed occlusion of enamel surface porosities and precipitates of different sizes.
Conclusions: The specially prepared GSE hydrogels has positive effects on the remineralization process of bleached enamel making it an effective natural agent with remineralizing potential. Key words:Remineralization, bleaching, grape seed extract, fluoride, enamel.