Evaluation of surface roughness and polishing techniques for new ceramic materials

The surface roughness of crown and bridge materials should be minimized to obtain optimal biocompatability. This study used scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the effect of polishing procedures on two all-ceramic crown materials (Dicor and Cerestore). The "as formed," unpolished specimens of both Dicor and Cerestore materials presented a rough surface. It was found that any attempt to polish the Cerestore coping material resulted in an extremely rough surface. Finishing of the Dicor ceramic resulted in a smoother but pitted surface. Polishing of both ceramic materials resulted in a surface that was rougher than the glazed metal ceramic controls. The smoothest finish was obtained when the glazed veneer (Cerestore) and shading porcelain (Dicor) were applied to the all-ceramic materials.