[The influence of different polishing systems on dental veneering materials]

Experimental studies were conducted to investigate the efficacy of seven polishing systems (Dia Finish, Kohinoor, Dia Glace, Kenda, Shofu, UNOR, Opal) when used on seven ceramic materials (Empress, Vitadur Alpha, Celay, Cerec, Vita Titanium Porcelain, TiBond, Duceratin), in some cases also on resins (Visiogem, Spectrasit, composite, resin teeth), and on natural enamel. The surface quality of 100 specimens was examined with an optical profilometer and a scanning electron microscope and subsequently evaluated. Polishing the ceramic materials with Kohinoor or Dia Finish resulted in a very high surface polish.. Of the resins, Spectrasit yielded a very high polish when Dia Finish, Dia Glace or Opal were used. Using the tested polishing systems, surface polish results can be obtained intraorally on ceramic restorations that are at least equivalent to glaze-fired ceramic surfaces, if not better. This means that an additional glaze firing is no longer required when ceramic restorations have been modified by grinding. The Dia Finish, Dia Glace, and Kohinoor polishing systems are particularly recommended for finishing and polishing cemented ceramic or resin inlays. The results are similarly favorable when polishing the natural dental enamel, so an excellent homogenous transition from enamel to dual cement and ceramic restoration can be achieved during the final polishing step for cemented restorations.