OPTICAL MONITORING OF BLEACHING AGENTS EFFECTS ON HUMAN DENTAL REMAINS

The time evolution of the bleaching effect, of hydrogen peroxide and two different concentrations of carbamide peroxide, on partially deteriorated human dental remains was analyzed by optical diffuse reflectance in the visible region of the spectrum. The optical measurements show that, after applying the first bleaching treatment, the reflectance increases. However for successive applications, a decrease of the reflectance is observed. This effect can be attributed to enamel teeth surface etching induced by the bleaching agents, allowing the inner dentin to contribute to the optical spectra and diminishing the reflectance. Additionally, in order to compare with previous studies in dentistry, colorimetric analysis of the process was also performed. The relevance in the use of protocols for cleaning valuable dental pieces in forensics, anthropology, and archeology is discussed.