The effect of air polishing on contemporary esthetic restorative materials

Air polishing devices are designed primarily to remove soft deposits and stains from tooth surfaces. While improved strength and durability of esthetic restorative materials have resulted in increased usage, the effect of air polishing on these improved materials has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of air polishing on contemporary esthetic restorative materials. Four materials were tested: ceramic, hybrid composite resin, microfilled composite resin, and glass ionomer cement. Ceramics and hybrid composites exhibited the least change in surface roughness, followed by microfilled composites. Glass ionomers showed the greatest change in surface roughness. Results from this study suggest the surface roughness of all of the materials tested increased after exposure to air polishing instrumentation. Practitioners utilizing air polishing devices for prophylaxis procedures should exercise caution in the area of esthetic restorations.