Evaluation of Polishing Systems for CAD/CAM Polymer-Infiltrated Ceramic-Network Restorations

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surface Science

Background:

• Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) restorations offer improved precision.
• Polishing is crucial for the longevity and aesthetics of CAD/CAM restorations.
• Evaluating polishing systems on novel materials like polymer-infiltrated ceramic networks is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of five distinct polishing systems on CAD/CAM polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network restorations.
• To compare nanoscale surface topography using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and visual assessments.
• To determine clinical acceptability and identify optimal polishing strategies.

Main Methods:

• Forty-eight Vita Enamic CAD/CAM blocks were milled into full coverage crowns.
• Six groups were established: control (no polish) and five polishing systems (proprietary, two ceramic, two composite).
• Surface roughness and area were measured using AFM; visual assessments were conducted by dental students and faculty.

Main Results:

• All polishing treatments significantly reduced surface roughness and area compared to the control.
• Composite systems (SCom, BCom) exhibited higher surface area than the proprietary system (VEna).
• Ceramic systems (SCer, BCer) showed intermediate results; BCer was visually rated as the best polished restoration.

Conclusions:

• Ceramic and proprietary polishing systems yielded comparable results, superior to composite systems.
• The effectiveness of proprietary and ceramic polishing systems tended to be higher than composite systems.
• Visual assessment by clinicians aligned with AFM findings, indicating clinical acceptability for VEna, SCer, and BCer.