From a cosmetic point-of-view, white teeth are important for integration of an individual into society. Thus, dental bleaching may be used to reach this objective. When analyzing several proposed techniques, it was observed that heat is frequently involved either in direct application or as a result of a chemical reaction. Taking into account the importance of preserving dental structures, the present study analyzed possible injuries to enamel when heat is used in the bleaching procedure. A colorimetric method was used and the results showed that there was no difference when heat was used. In only one case did the non-communicating tufts become communicating.
dental bleaching; enamel tufts
