The use of glazing materials for finishing dental composite resin surfaces

The purpose of this study was to investigate the retention of glazes on polished composite surfaces. Sections of three differently resin-coated composites have been prepared in vitro and examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All samples showed an interrupted interstice between glaze and composite. After ultrasonic cleaning of the composite surface, the empty porosities do not provide enough mechanical retention to retain the glaze. The difference in physical properties of both components may explain the releasing of the sealant. Surface conditioning with H3PO4 (37%) enhances the mechanical retention on coarse-grained composites. The same effect occurs using chloroform. The chemical also realized a partial chemical bond. however, it has been proved to be insufficient to prevent glaze releasing. Consequently, the use of glazing materials seems unsuitable for a permanent gloss on composite surfaces.