Influence of dental abrasives on surface roughness, gloss, and color of titanium

The influence of three dental abrasives on the surface roughness, glossiness, and color of titanium (Ti) after mechanical polishing was investigated.

The specimens were divided into groups, referred to as SM, SR, and TP, to distinguish the different polishing processes. SM: rubber polishing using a rubber point containing SiC abrasive particles at 20,000 rpm, followed by gloss polishing; SR: rubber polishing using a rubber point containing Al₂O₃ abrasive particles at 20,000 rpm, followed by gloss polishing; TP: rubber polishing using a rubber point containing TiO₂ abrasive particles at 6,000 rpm, followed by gloss polishing. Gloss polishing was carried out at 10,000 rpm using a leather buffing wheel. Measurements to evaluate the surface conditions of Ti were performed after each polishing process.

There were no significant differences in the Ra and glossiness values between the SM and TP groups; these specimens were not as smooth and glossy as the SR group. The SM group showed relatively high values of lightness and chroma after gloss polishing.

Rubber polishing with abrasives containing SiC or TiO₂ particles before gloss polishing did not achieve appropriate surface conditions on Ti.