Can Reduced-Step Polishers Be as Effective as Multiple-Step Polishers in Enhancing Surface Smoothness?

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surface Science

Background:

• Surface roughness of resin composites significantly impacts aesthetics and longevity.
• Optimizing finishing and polishing (F/P) protocols is crucial for clinical success.
• Evaluating novel F/P systems is essential for improving restorative procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of various finishing and polishing systems in reducing the surface roughness of a nano-hybrid resin composite.
• To compare the performance of reduced-step versus multiple-step F/P systems.
• To determine if the number of application steps influences F/P system effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Ninety nano-hybrid resin composite discs were fabricated and divided into nine groups.
• Specimens underwent polishing with eight different F/P systems or served as a control.
• Surface roughness was quantified, and surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in surface roughness were observed across all tested F/P systems.
• The smoothest surfaces were achieved with Mylar strips, Super-Snap, Enhance/PoGo, and Sof-Lex Spiral Wheels.
• Rubber cups, One-gloss, Enamel Plus Shiny, and Venus Supra resulted in the roughest surfaces.

Conclusions:

• The number of application steps in F/P systems does not affect their performance.
• Reduced-step polishers can be a viable alternative to multiple-step systems for nanohybrid resin composites.
• The effectiveness of F/P systems is influenced by the composite material's properties.