Ten groups of samples with 15 teeth per group were prepared for shear-bond-strength test at the resin-enamel interface after bleaching. The groups were as follows: control; no antioxidant; 2.5%, 5%, 10%, or 15% grape-seed extract; and 2.5%, 5%, 10%, or 15% sodium ascorbate. The peak values of shear bond strength when resin was debonded from teeth and the failure modes under a microscope were recorded. Ten other groups of teeth with two teeth per group were prepared and treated in a similar approach before resin bonding. The samples were cut vertically to the bonding interface. The structures of the bonding interface were compared by scanning electron microscopy.

No statistically significant difference in shear bond strength was found among the no-antioxidant, 2.5% grape-seed extract, and 2.5%, 5%, or 10% sodium ascorbate groups (P>0.05), which were statistically significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). Evidence of marginal gap was observed at the resin-enamel interface, and resin tags in enamel were short, poorly defined, and fragmented. No statistically significant difference in shear bond strength was found among 5%, 10%, or 15% grape-seed extract, 15% sodium ascorbate, and control groups (P>0.05). No evidence of discontinuity was found at the adhesion interface, and resin tags in enamel were long, well defined, and structurally intact. Failure in the adhesive joint was the major debond mode in all experimental groups.

Immediately after bleaching, the bond strength of dental enamel significantly decreased. Bond strength can be restored by 5% grape-seed extract or 15% sodium ascorbate in 5 min.