Surface roughness of composites and hybrid ionomers

This study examined the average surface roughness (Ra, micron) of two composites and three different hybrid ionomers before and after treatment with a 12-fluted finishing bur, two finishing and polishing systems, and a hybrid-ionomer glaze for the hybrid ionomers. The 12-fluted finishing bur produced a roughened surface with all materials compared to the initial surface formed and cured against glass. Both the Enhance Finishing and Polishing System and the Sof-Lex contouring and polishing disks produced smoother surfaces for the composites, Revolution and Charisma, compared to the hybrid ionomers, Fuji II LC, Variglass, and Vitremer. However, the Fuji II LC glaze and the Vitremer glaze created smoother surfaces compared to Revolution finished with the Enhance system. Overall, the Sof-Lex disk system produced the smoothest surfaces for all materials.