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Influence of Composite Polishing Pastes on Surface Roughness and Their Stability After Simulated Tooth Brushing
Panagiotis Ntovas1,2,3, Bora Korkut4, Nikolaos Loumprinis1
1Department of Operative Dentistry, Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Thivon 2, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Dentistry Journal
|November 26, 2025
Summary
Different polishing pastes show varying effectiveness in smoothing dental restorations. Simulated toothbrushing over three months can diminish initial smoothness, highlighting the need for careful clinical paste selection.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Restoration surface smoothness is crucial for preventing plaque accumulation, staining, and wear.
- Surface roughness significantly impacts the longevity and aesthetics of dental restorations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of various polishing paste systems in reducing nanohybrid composite surface roughness.
- To assess the durability of polishing effects after simulated clinical maintenance via toothbrushing.
Main Methods:
- 128 nanohybrid composite specimens were polished and assigned to 16 groups based on paste systems.
- Surface roughness (Sa and Sq) was measured using optical profilometry at three stages: initial polish, post-paste, and post-toothbrushing.
- Simulated toothbrushing equivalent to three months of clinical use was performed.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in surface roughness (Sa and Sq) were observed among the tested polishing pastes (p < 0.05).
- Toothbrushing generally increased surface roughness, but nine pastes maintained Sa and eight maintained Sq without significant deterioration (p ≥ 0.05).
- Polishing paste efficiency was not directly correlated with abrasive type or the number of polishing steps.
Conclusions:
- The effectiveness of polishing pastes varies, with some failing to provide measurable improvements in surface smoothness.
- The benefits of polishing may be reduced by simulated long-term toothbrushing, underscoring the importance of judicious clinical selection.
- Material selection and polishing protocols are critical for achieving and maintaining smooth, durable dental restorations.
