Conventional polishing techniques versus a nanofilled surface sealer: preliminary findings regarding surface...

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Composite resins are widely used in restorative dentistry.
• Achieving a smooth surface on composite restorations is crucial for aesthetics and longevity.
• Surface roughness can lead to plaque accumulation and secondary caries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a nanofilled resin surface sealer (Seal&Protect) in reducing the surface roughness of a hybrid composite resin.
• To compare the sealer's performance against conventional polishing techniques.

Main Methods:

• Hybrid composite resin discs were fabricated and finished.
• Specimens were divided into groups for different surface treatments: Mylar surface (positive control), Enhance Finishing Disc (negative control), aluminum oxide pastes, diamond polishing cup, and nanofilled resin surface sealer.
• Surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer and analyzed with ANOVA.

Main Results:

• All tested polishing and surface treatments significantly reduced surface roughness compared to the Enhance Finishing Disc.
• The nanofilled resin surface sealer resulted in significantly lower surface roughness values (p < 0.001) compared to the finished surface.
• The Mylar surface exhibited the lowest roughness, while the Enhance Finishing Disc showed the highest.

Conclusions:

• The nanofilled resin surface sealer effectively reduces surface roughness on finished composite resins.
• This sealer may serve as an alternative or adjunctive final polishing technique for composite restorations.
• Further laboratory and clinical studies are warranted to confirm its clinical efficacy.