Surface characteristics of composite resins comprising a porous reinforcing filler. An in vivo study

The surface of composite restorations with filler particles comprising an ultrafine sintered glassfiber network were examined in vivo. The effect of different finishing methods and clinical wear was studied with SEM on replicas. Smooth and lustrous buccal surfaces were obtained with finishing discs. On occlusal surfaces a microfine finishing diamond gave a good surface finish. After wear (greater than 7 months) surface smoothness was favored by a close packing of the filler particles. The smoothest surfaces appeared when, in addition, the density of the sintered network was high.