In vitro evaluation of the effect of a current bleaching agent on the electrochemical corrosion of dental alloys

The nightguard bleaching of discoloured teeth is currently performed by using % 10 carbamide peroxide. While the material is effective on the bleaching of natural teeth, it may deteriorate crowns, bridges and amalgam restorations placed in the mouth. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of 10% carbamide peroxide on the electrochemical corrosion of various dental casting alloys used for fixed partial dentures and dental amalgam. Tafel extrapolation curves were obtained by the corrosion cell that facilitated simulation of the oral environment and comparison of the corrosion rates of alloys and amalgam was accomplished. The results revealed that unpolished amalgam and nickel-chromium alloy samples had the most and noble alloys had the least corrosion rate.