Effect of prophylactic polishing protocols on the surface roughness of esthetic restorative materials.

Many polishing protocols have been evaluated in vitro for their effect on the surface roughness of restorative materials. These results have been useful in establishing protocols for in vivo application. However, limited research has focused on the subsequent care and maintenance of esthetic restorations following their placement. This investigation evaluated the effect of five polishing protocols that could be implemented at recall on the surface roughness of five direct esthetic restorative materials. Specimens (n=25) measuring 8 mm diameter x 3 mm thick were fabricated in an acrylic mold using five light-cured resin-based materials (hybrid composite, microfilled composite, packable composite, compomer and resin-modified glass ionomer). After photopolymerization, all specimens were polished with Sof-Lex Disks to produce an initial (baseline) surface finish. All specimens were then polished with one of five prophylactic protocols (Butler medium paste, Butler coarse paste, OneGloss, SuperBuff or OneGloss & SuperBuff). The average surface roughness of each treated specimen was determined from three measurements with a profilometer (Surface 1). Next, all specimens were brushed 60,000 times at 1.5 Hz using a brush-head force of 2 N on a Manly V-8 cross-brushing machine in a 50:50 (w/w) slurry of toothpaste and water. The surface roughness of each specimen was measured after brushing (Surface 2) followed by re-polishing with one of five protocols, then final surface roughness values were determined (Surface 3). The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Significant differences (p=0.05) in surface roughness were observed among restorative materials and polishing protocols. The microfilled and hybrid resin composite yielded significantly rougher surfaces than the other three materials following tooth brushing. Prophylactic polishing protocols can be used to restore a smooth surface on resin-based esthetic restorative materials following simulated tooth brushing.

Effects of fluoride varnish on color of esthetic restorative material.

PURPOSE: This study determined the color stability of a compomer, hybrid ionomer, and composite after staining with three fluoride varnishes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five disks (10 mm in diameter, 2 mm thick) of each material were prepared in a mold and incubated at 100% relative humidity at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. Duraphat, Duraflor, FluorProtector, and water (control) were applied to the disks, which were subsequently brushed with a soft toothbrush and dentifrice. Color was measured at baseline, after staining, and after brushing using CIE L*a*b* (source C) against white background on a reflection spectrophotometer, and color change (delta E*) was calculated. Means (n = 5) and standard deviations were calculated and compared using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Tukey-Kramer intervals (p = .05) were calculated to compare means. RESULTS: Varnishes Duraflor and Duraphat caused perceptible color changes (delta E* > 3.3) in compomer, hybrid ionomer, and composite after application; however, FluorProtector did not affect the color of the materials. After brushing, none of the materials exhibited perceptible values of delta E*, except the composite with Duraflor (delta E* = 5.4).