Surface alterations on dental restorative materials subjected to an air-powder abrasive instrument

This study assessed the effect of an air-powder abrasive instrument (Prophy Jet) on the surface integrity of a series of restorative materials. Four types of amalgam alloys (Amalcap, Dispersalloy, Tytin, Ana 2000), three types of composite resins (Silux, Brilliant Lux, Adaptic II), a heat-cured resin (SR Vivadent), and porcelain (Vita VMK) fused to a Gr-Ni alloy at 1 mm and 2.5 mm thickness were subjected from 5 mm distance to the abrasive stream at 100 psi for 5 seconds. The resulting surface topography was studied under an electron probe microanalyzer. All of the amalgams presented increased surface roughness and alterations in the surface composition assigned to the destruction of the soluble gamma-2 and n phases. Composite resins showed excessive matrix disruption, exposure of the filler particles and pitting on the prepolymer surfaces. The crown and fixed partial denture resin was the most affected material. Porcelain at 2.5 mm thickness exhibited moderate stain pitting, whereas in 1 mm thickness severe glaze cracking was identified.