Surface Properties of Resin Composites and CAD/CAM Blocks After Simulated Toothbrushing

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Dental restorative materials undergo wear, affecting their esthetics and function.
• Understanding material response to abrasion is crucial for clinical longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of toothbrush abrasion on surface gloss, roughness, and color of various dental restorative materials.
• To compare the wear resistance of different resin composites and CAD/CAM blocks.

Main Methods:

• Seven materials, including resin composites and CAD/CAM blocks, were subjected to 80,000 toothbrushing strokes.
• Surface gloss (GU), roughness (Ra), color (L*a*b*), and Vickers microhardness (VHN) were measured.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examined abraded surfaces.

Main Results:

• All resin-based materials showed decreased gloss and increased roughness after abrasion.
• Lithium disilicate (ILS) exhibited the highest gloss and lowest roughness; GFL showed the opposite.
• Larger filler particles in resin composites correlated with lower roughness and higher microhardness.

Conclusions:

• Toothbrush abrasion negatively impacts surface properties of resin-based dental materials.
• Filler particle size significantly influences wear resistance and surface integrity.
• Larger fillers in resin composites offer better resistance to abrasion-induced roughness.