Evaluation of surface finish of microfilled resins

Five microfilled resin restorative materials were evaluated for ease of polish and surface finish. Ease of finish was evaluated subjectively; surface smoothness with a profilometer. In addition, scanning electron microscope examinations were conducted to evaluate the structural composition of the microfills. No difference was found in ease of finish, but surface smoothness varied among the five products. The SEM evaluation revealed that four of the products had a heterogeneous composition while the fifth appeared to be a homogeneous microfill.