Surface roughness of new microhybrid resin-based composites

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Rough resin-based composite (RBC) surfaces can lead to staining, plaque accumulation, gingival irritation, and recurrent caries.
• Effective finishing and polishing are essential for improving the esthetics and durability of dental restorations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of different finishing and polishing techniques on the surface roughness of microhybrid RBCs.
• To identify optimal techniques for achieving smooth RBC surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Four microhybrid RBCs were tested, with 30 samples each.
• Specimens were finished with carbide burs and then polished using one of four systems: Sof-Lex disks, Enhance/Prisma Gloss, Astropol, or Astrobrush.
• Average surface roughness was measured and analyzed.

Main Results:

• The Astrobrush technique resulted in the highest surface roughness across all RBC specimens.
• The smoothest surfaces were achieved with carbide burs followed by aluminum oxide disks (Sof-Lex), the Astropol technique, and the Enhance technique.
• InTen-S showed statistically lower roughness with the Astrobrush technique compared to other RBCs.

Conclusions:

• The Astrobrush technique is associated with the highest surface roughness.
• Sof-Lex, Enhance, and Astropol techniques effectively produce smooth RBC surfaces.
• These findings guide the selection of finishing and polishing systems for improved clinical outcomes.