Surface Roughness Of Restorative Materials Research Articles

Erosive Effect of Canned Juices and Soft Drinks on Surface Roughness of Restorative Materials Used in Pediatric Dentistry: An Ex Vivo Study.

To evaluate and compare the effect of fruit juice (orange) and cola drink (noncarbonated) on the surface texture of composite (3M ESPE Filtek Bulk Fill) and glass ionomer cement (GIC) (ChemFil Superior). A total of eighty pellets each were prepared with composite (3M ESPE Filtek Bulk Fill) and GIC (ChemFil Superior) material using a brass mold with an inner diameter of 3 mm and a thickness of 3 mm according to the manufacturer's instructions. Around 10 pellets of each material were placed in airtight plastic containers. The baseline surface texture value was obtained by profilometer. An 8-day immersion regime was carried out according to Maupome et al. After the 8-day test period, pellets were reevaluated for surface texture final value. The values were statistically analyzed. A statistically significant lower surface roughness of composite restorative material was observed when treated with high-concentration orange juice and medium-concentration. Conversely, a statistically significant lower surface roughness of GIC restorative material was observed when it was treated with the low-concentration group, high-concentration orange juice, and medium-concentration orange juice. The surface roughness patterns of restorative materials increased as the number of immersion regimes increased. Vishwanathaiah S, Maganur PC, Khabrany HM, et al. Erosive Effect of Canned Juices and Soft Drinks on Surface Roughness of Restorative Materials Used in Pediatric Dentistry: An Ex Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(7):807-811.

Surface Roughness of Restorative Materials After Simulated Toothbrushing with Toothpastes Containing Theobromine and Arginine: An In Vitro Study

Objective: This study examined the effect of toothpastes containing theobromine and arginine on the roughness changes of microhybrid composite, nanohybrid composite, and giomer restorative materials. Methods: A total of 90 disc-shaped specimens were prepared using microhybrid composite (Arabesk-Ara), nanohybrid composite (Herculite-Her), and giomer (Beautifil II-Gio). The samples were divided into 3 subgroups (n = 10), and initial surface roughness was evaluated with a mechanical profilometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All samples were then subjected to a 1-year brushing simulation via a toothbrushing simulator using toothpastes containing theobromine (Theodent Classic, Theodent) or arginine (Colgate PRO-Relief, Colgate Palmolive); a control group was brushed with distilled water. Afterward, surface roughness measurements and SEM images were re-recorded. The difference in surface roughness was statistically evaluated. Results: The toothpaste containing arginine caused the highest increase in surface roughness in all groups. The toothpaste containing theobromine showed the least increase in roughness in the Her and Gio groups. Conclusion: Using toothpaste containing theobromine causes the least increase in the surface roughness of restorative materials, while using toothpaste containing arginine causes the greatest increase.

Effect of whitening concepts on surface roughness and optical characteristics of resin-based composites: An AFM study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of various whitening agents on the surface roughness and optical characteristics of different types of resin composite restorations. Fifty specimens were prepared for each resin [G-aenial Posterior (GP), SonicFill-2 (SF), Solidex (SDX), and Nova Compo HF (NC)]. Following baseline color and surface roughness (Ra) measurements, the specimens were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 10/group) according to whitening concepts: control (distilled water), in-office bleaching [OB-(Opalescence Boost)], at-home bleaching [HB-(Opalescence PF)], whitening toothpaste [WT-(Signal White Now)], and whitening mouthwash [WM-(Listerine Advanced White)]. ∆E00 , ∆TP00 , and ∆WID values were calculated before and after the whitening procedure with a spectrophotometer using the CIEDE2000 formula. Surface roughness measurements were repeated. The surface topography was determined using atomic force microscopy. Two- and three-way analyses of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test were performed, with p < 0.05 regarded as indicative of significance. No significant differences were detected among the resin composite materials in terms of the ΔE00 values (p > 0.05). Color change of all resin materials was above the AT threshold (>1.8) and the PT threshold (>0.8). All restorative materials presented acceptable (AT<2.62) TP00 values. Solidex specimens demonstrated the lowest WID values compared to the other composites. There were significant differences among the whitening procedures with respect to ΔE00 , ΔTP00 , and WID values (p < 0.001). SF/WT combination showed the highest and clinically unacceptable ΔE00 values. The highest roughness values were observed in the SDX specimens and the combination of SDX/OB. The effect of whitening agents on the optical characteristics and surface roughness of restorative materials depends on the type of material, agent, and time. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Clinicians should be aware that long-term use of over-the-counter products due to the abrasive effects of their ingredients and repeated bleaching session applications may affect the color stability and surface roughness of resin composites.

Exploiting optical coherence tomography to evaluate wear in spiral dental polishing systems.

This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of spiral polishing systems in restorative materials through optical coherence tomography (OCT). Performance of spiral polishers specific to resin and ceramics were evaluated. The surface roughness of restorative materials was measured, and images of the polishers were acquired by OCT and stereomicroscope. Surface roughness was reduced in ceramic and glass-ceramic composite polished with a system specific to resin (p<0.01). Surface area variation was observed on all polishers, except for the medium-grit polisher tested in ceramic (p<0.05). Similarity between images obtained through OCT and stereomicroscopy presented a Kappa inter- and intra-observer of 0.94 and 0.96, respectively. Then, OCT was able to evaluate wear areas in spiral polishers.

24 - Surface roughness of restorative materials after chewing simulation

24 - Surface roughness of restorative materials after chewing simulation

The Effect of Whitening Toothpastes on Colour Change and Surface Roughness of Restorative Materials

To examine the colour change and surface roughness of giomer, microhybrid composite and nanohybrid composite after brushing with whitening toothpastes. Disc-shaped samples of giomer, microhybrid composite and nanohybrid composite were divided into three subgroups(n=10), with the initial colour measured with a spectrophotometer and the surface roughness measured with a mechanical profilometer. The samples, which were immersed in coffee solution were brushed once a day with whitening toothpastes (Opalescence Cool Mint (OCM), Colgate Optic White Extra Power (COW) and Signal White Now Gold (SWN)) for 12 days. Colour change and surface roughness were measured again after the colouring-brushing cycle. All of the analyses were performed using appropriate statistical hypothesis tests. The highest increase in surface roughness was seen in the microhybrid composite group applied with SWN (p&lt;0.05). The group with the least increase was the giomer group applied with SWN (p&lt;0.05). While the least colour change was observed in the COW applied nanohybrid composite group (∆E00=1,814), the most colour change occurred in the COW applied giomer group (∆E00=5.943). After the use of whitening toothpastes, the roughness of giomer, microhybrid composite and nanohybrid composite surfaces was increased and a colour change above the clinically accepted value was observed.

THE EFFECT OF SURFACE COATING AGENT ON THE SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF RESTORATIVE MATERIALS EXPOSED TO ACIDULATED PHOSPHATE FLUORIDE

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the surface roughness of six different restorative materials when they were covered with surface coating agent prior to 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel application. Materials and methods: Six restorative materials (Fuji IX, Amalgomer CR, Dyract XP, Beautifil II, ACTIVA, Filtek Z250) were used in this study. 28 specimens were prepared from each material and randomly divided into 4 groups (n=7) according to surface treatment regimens. Group C: control, no application, Group F: only acidulated phosphate fluoride gel application, Group S: only surface coating agent application, Group SF: surface coating agent prior to the acidulated phosphate fluoride gel application. The surface roughness values for all specimens were measured using profilometer. The results were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Newman Keuls and Tukey’s tests (p<0.05). Results: There were no statistically significant differences in surface roughness between group C and F for all analyzed materials, except for Amalgomer CR (p>0.05). The group C of Amalgomer CR showed higher surface roughness values than that of the group F (p=0.001). Group S produced significantly smoother surfaces than the group C for all restorative materials, except Dyract XP (p=0.001). Conclusion: 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel application did not promote a significant increase on the surface roughness of restorative materials whether or not surface coated. However, surface coating was found to produce smoother surfaces. Keywords: Fluoride gel, Glass ionomer cement, Surface roughness ASİDÜLE FOSFAT FLUORİD UYGULANAN RESTORATİF MATERYALLERİN YÜZEY PÜRÜZLÜLÜĞÜNE YÜZEY ÖRTÜCÜ AJANININ ETKİSİ ÖZ: Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, %1,23 asidüle fosfat fluorid jel uygulamasından önce yüzey örtücü ajanı ile kaplanan altı farklı restoratif materyalin yüzey pürüzlülüğünün değerlendirilmesidir. Gereç ve yöntem: Çalışmada altı restoratif materyal (Fuji IX, Amalgomer CR, Dyract XP, Beautifil II, ACTIVA, Filtek Z250) kullanıldı. Her bir materyalden 28 örnek hazırlandı ve yüzeye yapılan uygulamalara göre rastgele 4 gruba ayrıldı (n=7). Grup K: kontrol, herhangi bir uygulama yapılmadı, Grup F: sadece asidüle fosfat fluorid jel uygulandı, Grup S: sadece yüzey örtücü ajan uygulandı, Grup SF: asidüle fosfat fluorid jel uygulanmadan önce yüzey örtücü ajan uygulandı. Tüm örneklerin yüzey pürüzlülüğü değerleri profilometre ile belirlendi. Sonuçların analizi varyans analizi (ANOVA), Newman Keuls ve Tukey testi ile yapıldı (p<0.05). Bulgular: Amalgomer CR dışındaki materyallerde, grup K ve grup F arasında yüzey pürüzülülüğü açısından istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık görülmemiştir (p>0,05). Amalgomer CR’nin K grubu, F grubuna göre daha yüksek yüzey pürüzülülük değeri vermiştir (p=0,001). Dyract XP dışındaki tüm restoratif materyallerde grup S, grup K’ya göre anlamlı derecede daha pürüzsüz yüzey değeri göstermiştir (p=0,001). Sonuç: %1,23 asidüle fosfat fluorid jel uygulaması, yüzey örtücü uygulanmış ve uygulanmamış restoratif materyallerin yüzey pürüzlüğünde önemli bir artış sağlamamıştır. Ancak, yüzey örtücü uygulaması, materyallerin yüzey pürüzlülüğünü azaltmıştır. Anahtar kelimeler: Fluorid jel, Cam iyonomer siman, Yüzey pürüzlülüğü

Effect of thermal aging procedure on the microhardness and surface roughness of fluoride ion containing materials

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the thermal aging effect on microhardness and surface roughness of fluoride containing restorative materials.Material and Methods: In this study, a bioactive material (Activa Bioactive Restorative, Pulpdent, Watertown, MA, USA), a giomer (Beautifil II, Shofu, Kyoto, Japan), a nanohybrid composite (Charisma Smart, Heraeus Kulzer, Germany), a resin-modified glass ionomer (Ionoseal, VOCO, Germany), and a bulk-fill glass-hybrid material (Equia Forte, GC, Tokyo, Japan) were used. 10×2 mm discs were prepared (n=10) and then polymerized. Only for bulk-fill glass-hybrid specimens, one layer of coat was applied on top surfaces and light cured. Before and after thermal aging procedures, initial and final surface roughness and microhardness values were evaluated. One-Way ANOVA test was used for the statistical analysis (p0.05).Results: Thermal aging did not affect the surface roughness of restorative materials statistically (p>0.05). After thermal aging when the bottom surface of Equia Forte compared to Activa Bioactive and Beautifil II in terms of microhardness values, a statictical significant difference was observed (p0.05).Conclusion: Even before and after thermal aging procedures, successful results can be achieved with bulk-fill glass-hybrid material.

Effect of surface characteristic of different restorative materials containing glass ionomer on Streptococcus mutans biofilm.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the surface morphology and surface roughness of restorative materials containing glass ionomer, analyze Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation on the surface of materials, and determine the correlation between surface roughness and biofilm. Four restorative materials: resin-modified glass ionomer; giomer; amalgomer; and glass carbomer were used and for each material, 6 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness disc-shaped specimens were prepared to evaluate the surface morphology (n = 3), surface roughness (n = 16), and biofilm (n = 20). Surface morphology was analyzed with a scanning electron microscope. Surface roughness was evaluated via an atomic force microscope. The biofilm was evaluated by counting the colony-forming units. Surface roughness measurements were evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey HSD test. Biofilm parameters were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U test. Pearson's correlation test was used to determine the correlation between surface roughness and biofilm. While the highest roughness values were obtained for amalgomer and glass carbomer, the lowest roughness values belonged to giomer and resin-modified glass ionomer. Statistically significant differences in the number of adherent bacteria were observed between the materials only on day 1. No statistically significant correlation was determined between surface roughness and biofilm. The resin content and small filler particle size of material positively affect surface roughness. However, there is no direct relationship between surface roughness and biofilm.

The effect of brushing with nano calcium carbonate and calcium carbonate toothpaste on the surface roughness of nano-ionomer

Nanotechnology developments in dentistry have resulted in the development of nano-ionomer, a new restorative material. The surface roughness of restorative materials can increase bacteria adhesion and lead to poor oral hygiene. Abrasive agents in toothpaste can alter tooth and restorative material surfaces. The aim of this study is to identify the effect of brushing with nano calcium carbonate, and calcium carbonate toothpaste on surface roughness of nano-ionomer. Eighteen nano-ionomer specimens were brushed with Aquabidest (doubledistilled water), nano calcium carbonate and calcium carbonate toothpaste. Brushing lasted 30 minutes, and the roughness value (Ra) was measured after each 10 minute segment using a surface roughness tester. The data was analyzed using repeated ANOVA and one-way ANOVA test. The value of nano-ionomer surface roughness increased significantly (p<0.05) after 20 minutes of brushing with the nano calcium carbonate toothpaste. Brushing with calcium carbonate toothpaste leaves nano-ionomer surfaces more rugged than brushing with nano calcium carbonate toothpaste.

Surface roughness of restorative materials after immersion in mouthwashes

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the surface roughness of resin composite and ceramic material after immersion in mouthwashes. Methodology: Thirty specimens of resin composite and ceramic material were prepared with a stainless steel matrix (6 mm × 2 mm). The samples of each material were divided into three groups (n = 10), according to the mouthwashes: Distilled water (DW), chlorhexidine (CL) 0.12%, and cetylpyridinium chloride (CC). Specimens were individually submitted to the immersion cycle in 15 mL of mouthwash for 30 days, three times per day, for 1 min/cycle. Surface roughness measurements were performed at three different time intervals: Before the first cycle (T0), after 7 (T1), and 30 days (T2) of immersion. Data were analyzed by the two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (P ≤ 0.05). Results: There was no statistically significant difference in surface roughness of resin composite among mouthwashes (DW - 1.4 ± 0.13 μm; CL - 1.16 ± 0.13 μm; CC - 1.18 ± 0.13 μm). Surface roughness was statistically significantly lower after 30 days (T2-0.56 ± 0.60 μm) compared with the initial period (T0-1.63 ± 0.60 μm) and after 7 days (T1-1.57 ± 0.60 μm). For ceramic material, CC (3.75 ± 0.60 μm) caused a higher level of surface roughness compared with DW (2.57 ± 0.60 μm) and CL (3.39 ± 0.60 μm). There was no statistically significant difference among the different time intervals (T0-3.05 ± 0.18 μm; T1-3.41 ± 0.18 μm; T2-3.26 ± 0.18 μm). Conclusion: Mouthwashes did not promote a significant change in surface roughness of composite resin. Cetylpyridinium chloride promoted an increase in surface roughness of dental ceramic.

Effect of Whitening Dentifrice on Micro Hardness, Colour Stability and Surface Roughness of Aesthetic Restorative Materials

Whitening agents present in the novel whitening dentifrices may have deleterious effects over the aesthetic restorations. The present study evaluated the invitro effect of whitening dentifrice on micro hardness, colour stability and surface roughness on aesthetic restorative materials. Forty specimens each of compomer and of composite were prepared using brass mould. Specimens were equally divided into 4 groups. Group I (20 disks of compomer are subjected to brushing with conventional tooth paste) Group II (20 disks of composite subjected to brushing with conventional tooth paste), Group III (20 disks of compomer subjected to brushing with whitening tooth paste). Group IV (20 disks of composite subjected to brushing with whitening toothpaste). Each group was further divided into two subgroups, where 10 sample were subjected for two weeks of brushing with respective tooth paste and other 10 were subjected for four weeks of brushing. For the evaluation of micro hardness, colour stability and surface roughness, micro hardness testing machine, spectrophotometer and surface testing machine were used respectively. Initial and final readings were taken for each specimen and difference obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. One-way ANOVA was used for multiple group comparison followed by post-hoc Tukey's-test. The paried t-test was used for intra group comparison and unpaired t-test for comparing independent sample groups. The compomer and composite showed no significant difference in micro hardness either with conventional or whitening tooth paste both at two and four weeks. Although there was a highly significant colour change observed after using whitening tooth paste for both compomer and composite. Regarding surface roughness, there was a significant change in roughness in both conventional and whitening tooth paste with compomer and composite. However, whitening tooth paste had a significant change in surface roughness compared with conventional tooth paste. Roughness further increased at four weeks interval when compared to two weeks. Colour, surface-roughness and micro-hardness are the inherent properties of the aesthetic restorative materials. Use of whitening tooth paste will cause colour change and surface roughness of restorative material making it prone to deformation and also affects the clinical success of restoration.

Effect of At‐Home Whitening Strips on the Surface Roughness and Color of a Composite and an Ormocer Restorative Material

Oxygenating agents like carbamide peroxide or H(2) O(2) are commonly used whitening agents. They have varying influence on the color and surface roughness of resin-based restorative materials and teeth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an at-home peroxide whitening agent applied through a whitening strip on the color and surface roughness of a nanofilled composite resin and an ormocer-based resin. Disc-shaped (2 mm thick, 10 mm diameter) nanofilled resin composite (n = 10) and ormocer (n = 10) specimens were prepared. All specimens were treated with a whitening strip. Whitening procedures were performed applying a 6.5% hydrogen peroxide whitening strip (Crest White Strips Professional) for 30 minutes twice each day for a period of 21 consecutive days. During the test intervals, the specimens were rinsed under running distilled water for 1 minute to remove the whitening agents and immersed in 37°C distilled water until the next treatment. Surface roughness and color of the specimens were measured with a profilometer and a colorimeter, respectively, before and after whitening. Color changes were calculated (ΔE) using L*, a*, and b* coordinates. Repeated measures of variance analysis and Duncan test were used for statistical evaluation (α= 0.05). The average surface roughness of composite increased from 1.4 Ra to 2.0 Ra, and from 0.8 Ra to 0.9 Ra for the ormocer material; however, these changes in roughness after whitening were not significant (p > 0.05). Also, when two materials were compared, the surface roughness of restorative materials was not different before and after whitening (p > 0.05). L* and b* values for each material changed significantly after whitening (p < 0.05). ΔE values (before/after whitening) calculated for composite (11.9) and ormocer (16.1) were not significantly different from each other (p > 0.05). The tested whitening agent did not affect the surface roughness of either resin-based restorative material. Both materials became brighter after whitening. The behavior of the materials in the yellow/blue axis was opposite to each other after whitening. Each material had clinically unacceptable color change after whitening (ΔE > 5.5); however, the magnitude of the color change of materials was similar (p > 0.05). According to the results of this study, with the use of materials tested, patients should be advised that existing composite restorations may bleach along with the natural teeth, and replacement of these restorations after whitening may not be required.

Surface roughness of restorative materials used to restore cervical lesions

Surface roughness of restorative materials used to restore cervical lesions

Effects of sonic scaling on the surface roughness of restorative materials

Re-polishing of aesthetic dental materials restored the surface roughness to the values before sonic instrumentation.

Effect of different polishing systems on the surface roughness of microhybrid composites

The use of composite resins in dentistry is well accepted for restoring anterior and posterior teeth. Many polishing protocols have been evaluated for their effect on the surface roughness of restorative materials. This study compared the effect of different polishing systems on the surface roughness of microhybrid composites. Thirty-six specimens were prepared for each composite [Charisma® (Heraeus Kulzer), Fill Magic® (Vigodent), TPH Spectrum® (Dentsply), Z100® (3M/ESPE) and Z250® (3M/ESPE)] and submitted to surface treatment with Enhance® and PoGo® (Dentsply) points, sequential Sof-Lex XT® aluminum oxide disks (3M/ESPE), and felt disks (TDV) combined with Excel® diamond polishing paste (TDV). Average surface roughness (Ra) was measured with a mechanical roughness tester. The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA with repetition of the factorial design and the Tukey-Kramer test (p<0.01). The F-test result for treatments and resins was high (p<0.0001 for both), indicating that the effect of the treatment applied to the specimen surface and the effect of the type of resin on surface roughness was highly significant. Regarding the interaction between polishing system and type of resin used, a p value of 0.0002 was obtained, indicating a statistically significant difference. A Ra of 1.3663 was obtained for the Sof-Lex/TPH Spectrum interaction. In contrast, the Ra for the felt disk+paste/Z250 interactions was 0.1846. In conclusion, Sof-Lex polishing system produced a higher surface roughness on TPH Spectrum resin when compared to the other interactions.

Effects of sonic scaling on the surface roughness of restorative materials

The surface roughness of dental restorative materials has a crucial effect on the health of dental and periodontal tissues as well as for the longevity of restorations. In this study we tested a glass ionomer restorative cement, two nanohybrid resin composites, a flowable resin composite and a silorane-based composite. Twenty cylindrical specimens of each material were prepared, cured, polished and instrumented with a sonic scaler (Alegra ST ZE-55 RM W&H, Austria). The mean surface roughness was recorded using a profilometer (SJ-201, Mitutoyo, Japan) at three stages: before scaling, after scaling and after re-polishing. Additional specimens were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and back-scattered imaging. Data were examined statistically by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests at a level of significance of P < 0.05. The profilometric measurements and the SEM evaluation showed that, in most of the materials tested, the surface roughness was significantly increased after sonic instrumentation. After re-polishing the specimens, the roughness values were decreased. Periodontal scaling should include polishing of restorations in order to overcome alterations in surface roughness.

Influence of different light-curing units on the surface roughness of restorative materials: in situ study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different light sources (LED and Halogen lamp) on the roughness (superficial) of composite resin (Filtek Z250, Filtek P60, Charisma and Durafill) varying post-irradiation times, in an in situ experiment. For this purpose, 80 specimens were made in polyurethane moulds. Ten volunteers without medicament use and good oral condition were selected and from them study moulds were obtained. A palatal intra-oral acrylic resin appliance was made for each of the subjects of the experiment. In each appliance, two specimens of each material were fixed (LED/Halogen lamp - control group). Roughness tests were performed immediately and 30 days after initial light-curing. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Statistically significant difference was observed only between post-irradiation times, where the 30th day showed the highest roughness values. It be concluded that roughness was influenced only by post-irradiation times, presenting the 30- days period inferior behavior.

Effect of whitening gels on the surface roughness of restorative materials in situ

Peroxide gels are effective in changing tooth colour but their effect on restorative materials has been poorly studied. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the impact of a commercially available whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide and a sodium percarbonate formulation on the surface of restorative materials. A total of 12 subjects participated in a double-blinded crossover study. Each wore an intra-oral appliance containing five bovine enamel blocks restored with amalgam, posterior composite, microfilled composite, glass ionomer cement and porcelain. Appliances were worn continuously for 14 days and whitening products were applied twice daily. After 14 days the appliances were removed and values for roughness (R(a)) were obtained using atomic force microscopy. Mean values of R(a) were assessed between baseline and 14 days, and although minor variations were seen, there were no statistically significant differences detected for any material or any whitening product.

Analysis of surface roughness of glass-ionomer cements and compomer.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness of two glass-ionomer cements (Vitremer and Chelon-Fil), and one compomer (Dyract) when submitted to different finishing/polishing procedures at different times. A hundred 80-sample discs were made of each material and randomly divided into six finishing/polishing groups: mylar strip (control); Sof-Lex discs; diamond burs; diamond burs/Sof-Lex discs; 30-fluted carbide bur; 30-fluted carbide bur/Sof-Lex discs. These procedures were carried out immediately after preparation of the samples, after 24 and 168 h. Average surface roughness (Ra) was measured with a profilometer and the values were compared using anova (P < 0.05). The smoothest surface for all materials was obtained when cured in contact with the mylar strip. All other tested products increased surface roughness of restorative materials, but Sof-lex discs lead to better results. The worst results were verified with diamond burs. The finishing/polishing procedures, when performed immediately, can improve the roughness of glass-ionomer cements but not of the compomer tested.