Abstract
Surface properties of composites such as roughness and color impact periodontal health and aesthetic outcomes. Novel bulk-fill composites with improved functionality are being introduced and, in light of the existing variety of finishing/polishing procedures, research of their surface properties is warranted. Sixty discs were prepared from bulk-fill composites (Filtek™ Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative and Fill-Up™) and incremental-fill Filtek™ Z250. They were further divided according to different polishing procedures (n = 5): three multi-step polishing procedures or finishing with a bur (control). Surface roughness (Ra) was measured using an atomic force microscope (The AFM Workshop TT-AFM). A spectrophotometer (Spectroshade Micro Optic) was used to determine color stability, after exposure to a coffee solution. Data were analyzed using two-way MANOVA (significance level of 5%). Resin composite type, polishing procedure, and their interaction had a statistically significant effect on surface roughness (p < 0.001) and color change (p < 0.001). Fill-Up™ exhibited the highest surface roughness and greatest color change. Differences in color change were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Filtek™ Bulk Fill registered the lowest surface roughness and color change, after the three-step polishing procedure. Both parameters were significantly correlated (ρ = 0.754, p < 0.001) and found to be material dependent and polishing-procedure dependent. Higher surface roughness relates to greater color changes.
Highlights
Introduction in published maps and institutionalResin composites are widely used in dentistry due to their optical and mechanical properties, comparable to those of enamel and dentin, making them a reliable and decent biomimetic replacement [1,2]
Higher surface roughness values were obtained for Fill-UpTM with polishing protocols P4 (Ra = 328.6 (±27.5) nm) and protocol No 1 (P1) (Ra = 304.5 (±31.0) nm), respectively
Lower values were obtained for the groups submitted to the polishing protocol P3 with FiltekTM Bulk Fill (Ra = 40.8 (±18.7) nm) and FiltekTM Z250 (Ra = 68.1 (±15.2) nm)
Summary
Resin composites are widely used in dentistry due to their optical and mechanical properties, comparable to those of enamel and dentin, making them a reliable and decent biomimetic replacement [1,2]. These materials feature shortcomings which include poor color stability, susceptibility to wear, leakage, and polymerization shrinkage [3]. Recent evidence has proven there is an acceptable surface roughness range to which bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation is limited [4]. Compliance with this range has to be achieved clinically.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
