Evaluation of different composite resin finishing and polishing protocols by confocal laser scan microscopy

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the influence of finishing and polishing (F/P) protocols on resin surface through roughness (Ra) values and laser scan microscopy observations. Methods: Forty-eight (n=48) resin specimens were sorted into four groups (n=12), according to the type of resin used: Filtek Z250 (Z250), Filtek Z350 (Z350), Filtek One Bulk Fill (BF), Filtek P60 (P60). The specimens were sorted into six groups according to the type of F/P system used (n=2/group): Control group, Diamond bur (KG Sorensen), Soflex Pop-On Discs (3M ESPE), Soflex Spiral (3M ESPE), Dura Gloss (American Burs), and Praxis (TDV). Results: The highest roughness values (Ra) were attributed to BF group for all F/P systems, except for the Soft-Lex PopOn discs. The Soft-Lex PopOn, Spiral, and Praxis discs presented a better performance for the surface treatment of the tested composite resins. Regardless of the restorative material, the use of diamond bur or single-step abrasive rubber (Dura Gloss) were associated with the highest Ra values. Conclusion: The effect of F/P systems on Ra is material-dependent and instrument or system-dependent.

Influence of Different Polishing Methods on Surface Roughness and Microhardness of Dental Composites

“…The unpolished surfaces of all tested composites were significantly smoother compared to the polished samples. This observation is also consistent with a published study by [35][36][37]. Moreover, the group of nanocomposites was also characterized by a significantly lower roughness value compared to the group of microcomposites.…”

“…A trend which indicates the best polishing effect with all three methods for the Filtek Z250 microcomposite material and the Filtek Z550 nanocomposite material, compared to the other materials was also noticed. Similar observations regarding the polishability of this group of materials were described by [35,40,41]. The roughnesses of materials from the Herculite and Charisma groups, both among microcomposites and nanocomposites, were similar to each other and significantly higher than the roughnesses of materials from the Filtek group.…”