Abstract
BackgroundEsthetic dental restorations have gained increasing popularity. The surface of restorations should be smooth enough to achieve maximum esthetics and prevent the adhesion of microorganisms and food particles. This study aimed to assess the surface roughness and color change of composite specimens following airflow usage.MethodsIn this in vitro, experimental study, 30 Tokuyama composite discs were fabricated and randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) for the use of airflow with calcium carbonate/bicarbonate powder and conventional polishing with FlexiDisc. The surface roughness of the specimens was measured by profilometry while the color change was assessed by measuring the L*, a* and b* color parameters using spectrophotometry before polishing (T1). The composite specimens were then polished for stain removal, and their surface roughness as well as color parameters were remeasured after polishing (T2). Paired t-test and Tukey’s test were applied for within-group and between-group comparisons.ResultsSignificant differences were noted in roughness average (Ra) between airflow with calcium carbonate (0.251 ± 0.014 μm) and airflow with sodium bicarbonate (0.421 ± 0.208 μm), and between airflow with sodium bicarbonate and FlexiDisc (0.207 ± 0.076 μm) groups after polishing (P < 0.05). Regarding the correlation of change in surface roughness and color parameters at T1 and T2, an inverse correlation was noted between the change in surface roughness and all color parameters except for L*. In other words, reduction in surface roughness decreased the a* and b* color parameters.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, the results showed that the airflow device used in this study had no significant difference with conventional polishing in terms of reduction in surface roughness and staining. Considering the cost and maintenance of the airflow device, it is not suggested as a suitable alternative to the conventional polishing procedures.Trial Registration Number: This study does not involve human subjects.
Highlights
Esthetic dental restorations have gained increasing popularity
Withingroup comparison of surface roughness parameter revealed its significant change over time in the calcium carbonate (P = 0.01) and FlexiDisc (P = 0.01) groups
The results showed that except for the L* parameter, other color parameters had an inverse correlation with the change in surface roughness, and decreased by an increase in surface roughness difference
Summary
Esthetic dental restorations have gained increasing popularity. The surface of restorations should be smooth enough to achieve maximum esthetics and prevent the adhesion of microorganisms and food particles. Tooth color is a fundamental factor in achieving an attractive smile [2,3,4]. Staining is an important factor that can compromise the esthetic appearance of teeth and restorations [7]. Extrinsic staining occurs following the deposition of metallic or nonmetallic stains on the tooth surface [8, 9]. Consumption of iron drops can lead to deposition of iron stains on the tooth surface while non-metallic staining may occur due Valian et al BMC Oral Health (2021) 21:398 to the effects of chromogenic bacteria, tobacco smoke, consumption of tea, coffee or cola, intake of some medications, use of mouth rinses, and some restorative materials, and greatly depends on the nutritional habits of individuals [10, 11]
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