THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT POLISHING SYSTEMS ON THE SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF TWO RESTORATIVE DENTAL MATERIALS

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine a single valid polishing procedure for composite and amalgam. Material and methods. Two restorative materials, a light-cured resin composite – Enamel Plus – and an amalgam – IQC Palladium Dispersalloy – were used. Forty disc-shaped specimens for each material were made and randomly assigned to eight groups. For the composite samples, the polishing procedures were realized with brownie rubber points, greenie rubber points, and Enhance® polishing system (group B), with brownie rubber points and greenie rubber points (Group C), and with Enhance ® polishing system (Group D). The amalgam samples were polished with a multi-blade bur, brownie rubber points, and greenie rubber points (Group F), with brownie rubber points and greenie rubber points (Group G) and brownie rubber points (Group H). The control groups were not polished, and the control surface was in contact with the Mylar strip (group A for composite and group E for amalgam samples). The surface roughness of each sample was recorded by using a laser profilometer. Results. The smoothest surfaces were obtained under the Mylar strip for the composite samples. Statistically significant difference with the control group was observed when the Enhance® polishing system was used alone. For the amalgam samples, the roughest surfaces were obtained under the Mylar strip. All the finishing procedures reduced the surface roughness significantly. Composite finishing and polishing procedure determine an increase in surface roughness compared to the surface at contact with the Mylar strip. Conclusions. Brownie and greenie rubber points showed a valid polishing system for both restorative materials compared to surface roughness.