Scanning electron microscopy and profilometer evaluation of glazed and polished dental porcelain

The surface roughness of Vita VMK porcelain following oven glazing and eight grinding/polishing treatments was analyzed qualitatively using scanning electron microscopy and quantitatively using a profilometer. Techniques were selected to simulate clinical practice. Scanning electron microscopy evaluation found oven glazing produced a better surface than other polishing methods. On the basis of the profilometric examination, the best roughness average value was obtained using diamond instruments with progressively smaller particle sizes (30, 15, and 8 microns). Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that all the treatments left the surfaces partially porous and cracked; however, the glazed surface yielded the best result. Although no significant differences were detected for the different treatments, the use of a 30-microns diamond instrument produced a rougher surface. No correlation was found between scanning electron microscopy and profilometer results. This study suggests that several procedures may be used to effectively finish ceramic surfaces.