Restorative & Materials · single question
Why is carbamide peroxide used BEFORE placing an anterior composite restoration?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. To obtain a better shade match after bleaching to the desired color
Bleaching with carbamide peroxide is performed BEFORE composite placement so the tooth reaches the desired shade first. Composites cannot be bleached after placement.
- A. While fluoride-containing whitening gels may have some remineralizing effect, caries prevention is not the reason for bleaching before composites.
- B. Carbamide peroxide does not strengthen bond strength. Residual peroxide can actually temporarily inhibit composite polymerization if placed too soon.
- C. Bleaching can actually temporarily increase sensitivity — sensitivity reduction is not the purpose here.
- D. CORRECT. Carbamide peroxide whitens the tooth first to achieve the desired shade. Since composite restorations cannot be bleached after placement, the tooth must reach the target color before the shade-matched composite is placed.
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