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Surface texture changes of a composite brushed with "tooth whitening" dentifrices
S A Whitehead1, A C Shearer, D C Watts
1Clinical Academic Group of Restorative Dentistry, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, England, United Kingdom.
Summary
Tooth brushing with whitening dentifrices significantly alters resin composite surface texture, increasing roughness. This change may affect the durability of dental restorations, indicating a need for careful material selection and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Dental Materials
Background:
- Dental restorations, particularly resin composites, are susceptible to surface changes from daily oral hygiene practices.
- Tooth whitening dentifrices are widely used, but their abrasive potential on restorative materials requires thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of tooth brushing with specific whitening dentifrices on the surface texture of resin composite materials.
- To assess the significance of various surface texture parameters (Ra, Rz, Rpm, Rpm:Rz ratio) in quantifying these changes.
Main Methods:
- Resin composite specimens were subjected to simulated tooth brushing with selected dentifrices.
- Surface texture profiles were measured using a contact diamond stylus before and after brushing.
- Statistical analysis (ANOVA, Student Newman-Keuls) was employed to determine significant differences.
Main Results:
- Tooth brushing with whitening dentifrices caused significant alterations in the surface texture of resin composites.
- Specific dentifrices, like Clinomyn, markedly increased surface roughness (e.g., Rz parameter), indicating increased wear.
- Surface texture parameters, such as the Rpm:Rz ratio, are crucial for understanding profile shape and predicting clinical performance.
Conclusions:
- The tested toothpastes created surface textures on resin composites that could potentially lead to crack propagation during mastication.
- The observed surface changes may be more influenced by the inherent rigidity of the restorative material than the dentifrice's abrasive action.