Influence of Polishing Systems on Surface Roughness of Lithium Disilicate Ceramics Following Dental Bleaching.

Background and Objective: The alteration of surface texture of lithium disilicate materials through the application of carbamide peroxide gels, which are frequently utilized as home bleaching agents, presents significant implications that remain contentious, and the enhancement of this phenomenon via polishing techniques is additionally subject to skepticism. The objective of the study was to systematically assess the impact of bleaching and polishing protocols on the surface roughness of lithium disilicate. Methods: A total of 28 IPS e.max press discs were systematically allocated to two distinct groups. Group A served as the control cohort, while Group B constituted the experimental cohort. In the case of Group B, the bleaching agent was administered for duration of 20 minutes daily over the course of 14 days. The surface roughness of each disc was quantified prior to and following the application of the bleaching agent, as well as subsequent to the polishing intervention. Results: In comparing the post-bleaching results of Group B to those of Group A, statistical evaluation indicated that while the roughness average (Ra) exhibited a marginal elevation following the bleaching cycles and after the polishing process, this observed increase did not achieve statistical significance (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The surface roughness of IPS e.max press discs was not significantly affected by home bleaching or polishing.