Hardness, roughness, and compressive strength of different filled resin composites after thermal aging and bleaching procedures.

Thermal aging and bleaching agents adversely affected the hardness, roughness, and compressive strength of the nonaged composites tested. Bleaching agents have less effect on the physico-mechanical properties of aged composites. Therefore, bleaching can be a safe and conservative esthetic treatment plan for patients who have long-standing composite restorations.