The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microhardness and surface roughness of composite resins before and after tooth bleaching procedures.

Sixty specimens were prepared of each composite resin (Filtek Supreme XT and Opallis), and BisCover LV surface sealant was applied to half of the specimens. Thirty enamel samples were obtained from the buccal and lingual surfaces of human molars for use as the control group. The surface roughness and microhardness were measured before and after bleaching procedures with 35% hydrogen peroxide or 16% carbamide (n = 10). Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and the Fisher test (α = 0.05).

Neither hydrogen peroxide nor carbamide peroxide treatment significantly altered the hardness of the composite resins, regardless of surface sealant application; however, both treatments significantly decreased the hardness of the tooth samples (p < 0.05). The bleaching did not cause any change in surface roughness, with the exception of the unsealed Opallis composite resin and dental enamel, both of which displayed an increase in surface roughness after bleaching with carbamide peroxide (p < 0.05).

The microhardness and surface roughness of enamel and Opallis composite resin were influenced by bleaching procedures.