In vitro investigation of the wear of human enamel by dental porcelain

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Metal ceramic systems are advocated when both esthetics and strength are required. A major drawback to many porcelains is their wear and destruction of opposing natural dentition. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the wear of enamel opposing 1 traditional and 2 recently introduced low-fusing feldspathic dental porcelains. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six blocks of Ceramco II, Finesse, and Omega 900 feldspathic porcelain materials were fabricated and fired according to manufacturer recommendations. Porcelain blocks were polished through 0.25 microm diamond polishing paste. Thirty-six enamel specimens were obtained and milled to a 2 mm (+0.5 mm) diameter. Enamel specimens were attached to an offset cam motor operating at 60 Hz. Enamel specimens were in constant contact with the stationary porcelain blocks under a load of 600 g and traversed a distance of 8 mm. Diameter and height of enamel specimens were measured at times of 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours and subsequent determination of enamel volume loss recorded. Profilometric surface roughness of the ceramic blocks was also measured for the corresponding times. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that both Finesse and Omega 900 feldspathic porcelains caused significantly less enamel volume loss when compared with Ceramco II porcelain at all time intervals. Surface roughness revealed no consistent significant differences among porcelains. CONCLUSION: Both Finesse and Omega 900 porcelains were not as destructive to human tooth structure as Ceramco II porcelain. These results suggest an advantage of the new, lower-fusing porcelains in conditions where natural dentition wear is a concern.     

Porcelain surface roughness, color and gloss changes after orthodontic bonding

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the alteration in surface characteristics after orthodontic debonding of two types of porcelain systems commonly used in prosthetic dentistry. For this purpose, porcelain specimens were fabricated from low-fusing (n = 20) and high-fusing (n = 20) porcelain. The baseline surface roughness, color, and gloss were evaluated using profilometry, color shade index, and gloss study. All specimens were bonded with brackets and debonded using a testing machine at a rate of 0.1 mm/minute crosshead speed. The porcelain surfaces were polished using a 12-fluted carbide composite removal bur (low-fusing, n = 20; high-fusing, n = 20). In addition, half of each porcelain group was further polished using a series of Sof-Lex discs (low-fusing, n = 10; high-fusing, n = 10). The postdebond porcelain surface characteristics roughness, color, and gloss were reevaluated and compared with baseline measurements. The results were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance and Tukey multiple comparisons test, with porcelain type (low-fusing or high-fusing) and polishing protocol (carbide bur or carbide bur and discs) serving as discriminate variables at alpha = 0.05 level of significance. Bonding and debonding increased all roughness parameters tested; however, no change was revealed between the two polishing protocols. Similarly, gloss and color index changes were significantly altered after resin grinding, regardless of the polishing method used. No difference was identified between the two porcelain types with respect to roughness, color index, or gloss. Orthodontic bonding alters the porcelain surfaces, and postdebond polishing does not restore the surface to the prebond state.     

Assessment of an Indirect Metal Ceramic Repair System

Purpose: This study was designed to compare an alternative indirect treatment to repair fractured or chipped veneering metal ceramic using recently developed ultra‐low‐fusing ceramics. Materials and Methods: One conventional feldspathic ceramic, Vita Omega, and three ultra‐low‐fusing ceramics (ULFC), Finesse, Duceram LFC, and Vision‐low, were used. Forty ceramic specimens were prepared and divided into two groups. Group I (n = 20) was designed for bond strength testing. It comprised four subgroups (A, B, C, D): one Ceramic‐resin (A) and three Ceramic‐ULFC disc specimens of different diameters (B, C, D). Group II was composed of repaired ceramic discs using direct and indirect repair methods for biaxial testing. It was comprised of five subgroups: the fractured discs from subgroup A; Omega discs (n = 20) formed the repaired specimens of the four remaining subgroups: B, C, D, E. Data were presented as means and standard deviation (SD) values. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for comparison between means. Tukey's post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison between the means when ANOVA test was significant. The significance level was set at p≤ 0.05. Results: Within group I, Omega‐Ducera LFC showed the statistically highest mean bond strength (25.8 MPa) values, followed by Omega‐Finesse (15.8 MPa). No statistically significant difference was apparent between Omega‐Vision (9.3 MPa) and the control Omega‐Composite group (7.5 MPa). Regarding group II, the Control Omega subgroup showed statistically the highest mean biaxial strength values (168.8 MPa). No statistically significant difference was evident between the values of Omega‐Finesse (78.7 MPa), Omega‐Vision (78.4 MPa), and Omega‐Composite (82.5 MPa). Omega‐Ducera LFC subgroup, showed statistically the lowest mean values (53 MPa). Conclusions: Omega‐Ducera LFC yielded the statistically highest mean bond strength values, and the lowest biaxial strength values. All values were within the reported bond strength values for resin repair. All the tested groups showed significantly lower values compared to the initial biaxial strength mean values of the Omega ceramic; however, two of the tested ULFC (Vision, Finesse), recorded means that were statistically equal to the resin‐ceramic direct subgroup. Duceram LFC showed the lowest values, probably due to its totally glass composition, which showed low strength values of the repaired specimens. The recorded bond and biaxial values suggest that indirect repair of fractured LFC using some ULFC ceramics may offer an alternative solution to the traditional direct resin repair method; however, the choice of the used ceramic should be one containing some leucite crystals. Further studies are needed to investigate the long‐term performance of the proposed repair treatment.     

Polishing methods of an alumina-reinforced feldspar ceramic

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that mechanical polishing methods of ceramic surfaces allow similar superficial roughness to that of glazed surfaces. Twenty-five Vitadur Alpha ceramic discs (5 mm x 2 mm) were prepared according to the manufacturer's specifications. All specimens were glazed and randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=5), according to finishing and polishing protocols: G1: glazed (control); G2: diamond bur finishing; G3: G2 + silicon rubber tip polishing; G4: G3 + felt disc/diamond polishing paste; G5: G3 + felt disc impregnated with fine-particle diamond paste. Next, surface roughness means (Ra - microm) were calculated. Qualitative analysis was made by scanning electron microscopy. Surface roughness data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. G1 and G4 were statistically similar (p>0.05). G2 presented the highest roughness means (p<0.05) followed by groups G3, G5, G4 and G1 in a decreasing order. The hypothesis was partially confirmed as only the mechanical polishing (G4) produced similar superficial roughness to that of surface glazing, although finishing and polishing are technically critical procedures.     

Evaluation of the Surface Roughness in Dental Ceramics Submitted to Different Finishing and Polishing Methods

Ceramic restorations have been widely used in dentistry. These restorations often require intraoral adjustment with diamond burs after their cementation causing increasing roughness of the ceramic surface. Consequently some finishing and polishing methods have been used to minimize this occurrence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the roughness of the ceramic surfaces submitted to different finishing and polishing methods. 144 specimens of VITAVM^®7, VM^®9 and VM^®13 (VITA Zahnfabrik) ceramics were fabricated and submitted to grinding using diamond burs. They were then divided into 15 groups (five of each ceramic type). Groups 1, 6 and 11—positive control (Glaze); Groups 2, 7 and 12—negative control (no polishing); Groups 3, 8 and 13—polished with abrasive rubbers (Edenta), felt disc and diamond polishing past; Groups 4, 9 and 14—polished with abrasive rubbers (Shofu), felt disc and diamond polishing past; Groups 5, 10 and 15—polished with aluminum oxide discs (Sof-Lex, 3M-ESPE), felt disc and diamond polishing paste. The roughness of the samples surfaces were measured using the rugosimeter Surfcorder SE 1700 and the data were submitted to statistical analysis using ANOVA and Tukey test at a level of significance of 5 %. There was statistically significance difference between the positive control groups and the other groups in all the ceramic types. Mechanical finishing and polishing methods were not able to provide a surface as smooth as the glazed surface for the tested ceramics. To assist dental practitioners to select the best finishing and polishing methods for the final adjustment of the ceramic restorations.     

Surface conditioning methods and polishing techniques effect on surface roughness of a feldspar ceramic

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of three surface conditioning methods on shear bond strength (SBS) and on surface roughness (Ra) of a feldspathic ceramic, and to compare the efficiency of three polishing techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 106 feldspathic specimens were used. Thirty specimens were divided into three groups according to the surface conditioning methods: air-particle abrasion (APA) with 25-microm aluminum trioxide (Al(2)O(3)) (group A); hydrofluoric acid (HFA) (group H); APA and HFA (group AH). Metal brackets were bonded and subjected to SBS testing. Sixty-three specimens were divided into three groups according to the surface conditioning method. Ra was evaluated profilometrically. Then, each group was divided into three subgroups according to the polishing technique, ie, adjustment kit, diamond polishing paste, adjustment kit + diamond polishing paste. Following polishing, the second Ra values were obtained. RESULTS: The lowest SBS was obtained for group H. This value was significantly different from the values of groups A and AH (P < .05). The lowest Ra value was observed for group H (P < .001). There was no significant difference between groups A and AH (P > .05). No significant differences between the subgroups in which a polishing paste was used were observed (P > .05). There was no significant difference between the adjustment kit and the adjustment kit + a diamond polishing paste (P > .05). CONCLUSION: APA or APA + HFA created rougher porcelain surfaces than HFA alone. Both adjustment kit use and the adjustment kit + polishing paste application were effective to smooth the porcelain, but one was not found superior to the other.     

Surface roughness of novel resin composites polished with one-step systems

OBJECTIVES: This study: 1) analyzed the surface roughness of five novel resin composites that contain nanoparticles after polishing with three different one-step systems and 2) evaluated the effectiveness of these polishers and their possible surface damage using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. METHODS: The resin composites evaluated in this study include CeramX, Filtek Supreme XT, Grandio, Premise and Tetric EvoCeram. A total of 100 discs (20/resin composites, 10 x 2 mm) were fabricated. Five specimens/resin composites cured under Mylar strips served as the control. The samples were polished for 30 seconds with PoGo, OptraPol and One Gloss discs at 15,000 rpm using a slow speed handpiece. The surfaces were tested for roughness (Ra) with a surface roughness tester and examined with SEM. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis (p = 0.05). RESULTS: For all the composites tested, differences between the polishing systems were found to be significant (p < 0.05). For Filtek Supreme XT, Mylar and PoGo created equally smooth surfaces, while significantly rougher surfaces were obtained after OptraPol and One Gloss applications. For Grandio, Mylar and PoGo created equally smooth surfaces, while OptraPol and One Gloss produced equally rougher surfaces. Tetric EvoCeram exhibited the roughest surface with OptraPol, while no significant differences were found between Premise and CeramX. According to SEM images, OptraPol and One Gloss scratched and plucked the particles away from the surface, while PoGo created a uniform finish, although the roughness values were not the same for each composite. CONCLUSION: Effectiveness of the polishers seems to be material dependent.     

Evaluation of efficiency of manual polishing over autoglazed and overglazed porcelain and its effect on plaque accumulation

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of manual polishing over autoglazed and overglazed porcelain and their effect on plaque accumulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six porcelain discs were fabricated out of which 18 each was subjected for autoglazing and overglazing. Half surface of the discs was left intact; the remaining half was roughened with medium grit diamond bur. Roughened surfaces were repolished by porcelain polishing kits (Shofu, DFS, Eve). All the surfaces were evaluated by the perthometer and SEM. Six discs from each sample were placed in human volunteer''s mouth for 72 hours to evaluate the plaque accumulation. Acquired data was subjected to ANOVA comparative evaluation.

RESULTS

Roughened surfaces had average roughness value of 2.88±0.1935 µm. The repolished surfaces by porcelain correction kits Shofu, DFS and Eve, average roughness value reduced to 0.6250±0.1036, 0.9192±0.0953, 0.9017±0.1305 respectively. Autoglazed and overglazed surfaces showed the mean roughness value (Ra) of 0.4217±0.0685, 0.3450±0.0729. SEM study showed the improved surfaces when subjected for polishing. Plaque accumulation percentage was the highest on roughened surface (93.83±6.2552%), followed by porcelain discs polished by commercial kits. Autoglazed surfaces found to be the best surfaces with the least plaque accumulation (0.5237±0.4209%).

CONCLUSION

All the polishing kits used in the study reduced the average roughness by approximately 77%. Corrected porcelain surfaces should ideally be reglazed, alternatively, polish the surfaces before final cementation.     

Effect of Polishing Technique and Brushing on Surface Roughness of Acrylic Resins

Purpose: This study evaluated the abrasion resistance of acrylic resin to routine dental brushing procedures using different dentifrices after the resin surface had been chemically or mechanically polished.
Materials and Methods: Eighty specimens were prepared using heat-polymerizing (HP) and autopolymerizing (AP) acrylic resin, and immediately submitted to grinding with abrasive stones and disks. The specimens were divided into two groups: the first group was mechanically polished (MP) using pumice slurry, and the second group was chemically polished (CP) using heated monomer. After polishing, the specimens were submitted to 30,000 brushing cycles. Surface roughness was measured after polishing and brushing procedures, using a Surfcorder SE 1700 rugosimeter. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA (α= 0.05).
Results: There were significant differences in surface roughness between polishing with MP and CP ( p < 0.05). Significant differences in surface roughness were also found between brushing with MFP dentifrice and Tartar Control dentifrice ( p < 0.05).
Conclusion: MP produced smoother surfaces than CP, and surface roughness as a result of polishing technique was not influenced by acrylic resin type. Even though MP resulted in smoother surfaces initially, subjecting the acrylic resin to dentifrice brushing negated this advantage.     

Comparison of three systems for the polishing of an ultra-low fusing dental porcelain

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: With the introduction of newer dental porcelains, there exists the need to evaluate different porcelain polishing systems available on the market. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the surface roughness produced by 3 different porcelain polishing systems on an ultra-low fusing porcelain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-three ultra-low fusing porcelain (Finesse) discs (10 x 2 mm) were fabricated and randomly divided into 3 groups (n=21). Both sides of each disc were abraded with a medium-grit diamond bur. One side was autoglazed and was considered a control. The other side was polished until the surface appeared shiny to the naked eye using 1 of 3 porcelain polishing kits (Axis Dental, Jelenko, and Brasseler systems). The surface of each disc was evaluated quantitatively with surface profilometry and qualitatively using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A mean roughness profile (Ra) value was determined for each side of each specimen to describe the overall roughness of the surface. The Ra mean difference for each specimen was determined by subtracting the mean experimental readings (polished surface) from the mean control readings (glazed surface) and was used for the statistical analysis. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by a Tukey multiple comparison test (alpha=.05). Representative specimens from each group were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The Axis porcelain polishing system produced a smoother surface than the Brasseler or Jelenko systems (0.586 +/- 0.256, 0.306 +/- 0.238, and 0.277 +/- 0.230, respectively). No significant difference was found between the Jelenko and Brasseler porcelain polishing kits (F=10.6, P <.001). The images obtained through SEM were evaluated and found to be consistent with the profilometer readings. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, all 3 porcelain polishing systems produced a surface smoother than the autoglazed surface of Finesse. The Axis system provided a significantly smoother surface compared to the Brasseler and Jelenko polishing systems.     

Porcelain refinishing with two different polishing systems after orthodontic debonding

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of two polishing systems on the surface roughness of three types of porcelain after orthodontic debonding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 porcelain discs were fabricated from feldspathic (n = 30), leucite-based (n = 30) or lithia disilicate-based (n = 30) ceramics. Ten samples in each group served as the control and received no surface treatment. The remaining 60 samples in three of the porcelain groups were bonded with lower incisor brackets and debonded using a testing machine in shear mode at a rate of 1 mm/minute crosshead speed. After debonding, the remaining adhesive resin was removed with a tungsten carbide bur. Then, two experimental subgroups (10 each) in each porcelain group were treated as follows: in the first subgroup, porcelain polishing wheel and polishing paste were applied, whereas in the second, polishing was performed using a series of Sof-Lex discs. The average surface roughness (Ra) of the all samples was evaluated using SPM/AFM (surface probe microscope/atomic force microscope). Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance for each porcelain material and polishing method. RESULTS: The polishing techniques affected surface roughness significantly. There were significant differences between the groups; higher Ra values were obtained with the use of porcelain polishing wheel and polishing paste (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The application of Sof-Lex discs can produce smoother porcelain surfaces than porcelain polishing wheel and polishing paste.     

Surface geometry of three packable and one hybrid composite after polishing

This study evaluated the surface quality of four composite materials after polishing with six different polishing techniques. Eighty specimens were made using three packable composites (Definite/Degussa, SureFil/ Dentsply and Solitaire/Heraeus-Kulzer) and one hybrid composite (Herculite XRV/Kerr). Five specimens of each material were polished using flexible Sof-Lex discs. The remaining 75 specimens of each composite were prepared using three finishing protocols: a single 30 microm diamond (n = 25), two finishing diamonds (30/20 microm; n = 25) and a 30 microm diamond followed by a tungsten carbide finishing bur (n = 25). Final polishing of each of the three finishing groups was accomplished with SuperBuff, Diafix-oral, OneGloss, Astropol and HaWe Composite Polishers (n = 5, each). Surface roughness was evaluated quantitatively by laser-stylus profilometry. Average roughness (R(a)) was calculated; statistical analysis of the data was performed with two-way ANOVA and Scheffé post-hoc tests. The polished surfaces were examined qualitatively by SEM. The results showed significant effects on surface roughness from the different composites (p = 0.011) and polishing systems (p < 0.001). After polishing, the Solitaire surfaces (R(a) = 0.72 microm) were smoother than Definite (R(a) = 0.87 microm) and SureFil (R(a) = 0.89 microm) and significantly smoother than Herculite (R(a) = 0.92 microm; p = 0.011). Three of the polishing methods (SuperBuff, Diafix-oral and Astropol) achieved lower R(a)-values than Sof-Lex discs. The polishing quality of the one-step systems SuperBuff and Diafix-oral was strongly affected by the initial finishing protocol.     

Effects of acid hydrolysis and mechanical polishing on surface residual stresses of low-fusing dental ceramics

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Cracks may arise in a ceramic restorative material over time, resulting in sudden fractures at stresses well below the yield stress. PURPOSE: This study evaluated by means of indentation technique the effects of acid hydrolysis and mechanical polishing on the surface residual stresses of low-fusing ceramic materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 64 ceramic bars were formed to produce 4 groups of 16 bars each for 4 ceramic materials (Duceram-LFC Dentin, Duceram-LFC Enamel, Finesse Dentin, and Finesse Enamel). Four surface-treatment groups (n=4) were then formed for each of the 4 materials. The 4 surface treatments were control (autoglaze), hydrolysis, glaze/polish, and polish/glaze. A Vickers indenter contacted the Duceram-LFC specimens with a 5-N load and the Finesse specimens with a 3-N load for 10 seconds. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study surface texture before and after hydrolysis and polishing. Differences in mean crack lengths were analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance and least significant difference test (alpha=.05.) RESULTS: SEM showed obvious surface flaws as a result of hydrolysis on Duceram-LFC Enamel and Dentin specimens. However, statistical analysis of the resulting crack lengths revealed no significant differences between values for the control groups (58.16 +/- 3.88) (53.53 +/- 2.67) and hydrolysis groups (57.11 +/- 4.09) (54.54 +/- 3.15) for Enamel (P=.081) and Dentin (P=.093) respectively. When comparing polished groups and nonpolished groups, the mean crack lengths were significantly shorter for polished specimens of Duceram-LFC Enamel (53.76 +/- 3.17), Finesse Enamel (40.56 +/- 3.31), and Finesse Dentin (39.76 +/- 3.81) porcelains compared with their control groups (58.16 +/- 3.88) (43.54 +/- 4.12) (41.19 +/- 3.47), respectively (P<.0001). The mean crack lengths were significantly longer for polished specimens of Duceram-LFC Dentin (59.16 +/- 3.52) porcelain compared with the control group (53.53 +/- 2.67) (P<.0001). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, hydrolysis did not improve surface residual stresses of Duceram-LFC and Finesse ceramic materials. Mechanical polishing improved surface residual stresses of all materials tested, except Duceram-LFC Dentin porcelain.     

Surface roughness in ceramics with different finishing techniques using atomic force microscope and profilometer

This study assessed the finishing and polishing of 3 ceramic materials: Vitadur Alpha, IPS Empress 2 and AllCeram. Surface modification techniques were selected to simulate dental practice. Forty-five specimens of each ceramic were divided into 5 groups of 9 specimens, which were finished using the following procedures: Group 1--glaze; Group 2--glaze, grinding and subsequent polishing with the Eve system; Group 3--glaze, grinding and subsequent polished with the Identoflex system; Group 4--glaze followed by polishing with Identoflex; Group 5--glaze, grinding and subsequent polishing with Shofu kit. Two roughness-measuring instruments were used: a stylus profilometer and an atomic force microscope (AFM). The 135 specimens were evaluated quantitatively with respect to Ra (average roughness) and Ry (maximum roughness height), and the results were examined statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test, with a significance level of 0.05. The roughness parameter (Ra), measured by the profilometer, and AFM showed that some of the commercial intraoral polishing kits tested achieved a finish equal in smoothness to the glazed surface. According to Pearson's test, no correlation was found between the parameter Ry, measured with the profilometer, and AFM. The profilometer results for Ry demonstrated no significant differences between the final polished surfaces and the initial glazed ones. On the other hand, the Ry values obtained by AFM indicated the tested polishing kits incapability of producing smoothness comparable to the glazed surfaces.     

Polishing and coating of dental ceramic materials with 308 nm XeCl excimer laser radiation.

OBJECTIVES: The polishing and coating of ceramic surfaces is recommended in order to improve the physical properties of dental ceramics. Conventional methods for the surface treatment of dental ceramic materials are not capable of creating a smooth surface without microcracks. The special radiation characteristics of XeCl excimer laser light indicate that it must be possible to treat ceramic surfaces in order to produce a polished finish. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of XeCl excimer laser radiation for the polishing and coating of dental ceramics. METHODS: Samples (n = 64) of four different dental ceramic materials were irradiated with 308 nm XeCl excimer laser radiation at varying energy densities per laser pulse of 1.57, 3.14, and 6.28 J cm-2. In detail, the subjects for irradiation were samples of Ivoclar-Empress (leucite-reinforced feldspathic ceramic), In-Ceram Spinell (double crystalline spinell ceramic), In-Ceram Alumina (alumina oxide; continous interpenetrating phase composite ceramic) and Vita-Mark II (feldspathic ceramic). The roughness (Ra) of the laser-treated ceramic surfaces was measured using a profilometer. In addition, SEM and AFM investigations of the changes in surface structure were conducted. The changes in surface roughness due to laser treatment were analyzed for their statistical significance using ANOVA with the Scheffé test at a level of significance of 0.05% (p < 0.05). Depending on the type of ceramic material and the energy density of the radiation, varying reductions of the surface roughness were obtained. In general, minimum values of the roughness were measured on samples irradiated with maximum energy density of radiation. RESULTS: The lowest roughness value was obtained for the specimen of In-Ceram Spinell: 1.30 (+/- 0.19) microns. The mean value for minimal roughness of Ivoclar-Empress was 1.92 (+/- 0.35) microns, that for In-Ceram Alumina was 2.04 (+/- 0.49) microns, and that for Vita-Mark II was 2.72 (+/- 0.40) microns. Ultrastructural examination of laser-treated ceramics in part demonstrated both extensive fusion and inhomogeneous surfaces with blistering and the formation of microcracks. SIGNIFICANCE: It is concluded that the physical roughness of dental ceramic surfaces can be significantly reduced by 308 nm excimer laser irradiation. Nevertheless, the laser-treated surface was in no case completely fused and the formation of microcracks and blistering was observed. Therefore, after using an XeCl excimer laser for finishing dental ceramic alloys, further polishing of the laser-treated ceramic surfaces will be needed.     

An In Vitro Study to Identify a Ceramic Polishing Protocol Effecting Smoothness Superior to Glazed Surface

Polishing is taken up as an alternative to reglazing after adjustments of glazed ceramic prosthesis. An in vitro study was carried out to evaluate three different ceramic polishing systems and their combinations to identify a method that would achieve surface smoothness superior to the glazed surface. 77 glazed feldspathic porcelain disc surfaces, of diameter 12.5 mm and thickness 2 mm were constituted into seven groups of 11 specimen surfaces each. The glazed surfaces in the first group served as control (C). They were not subjected to deglazing or polishing. The remaining 66 surfaces underwent deglazing. The deglazed surfaces in the second group (D) were retained as such and did not undergo polishing. The deglazed surfaces in the third group (Wh), were polished using a polishing wheel (CeraMaster). In the fourth group (K), an adjustment kit (Porcelain Adjustment kit) was used for polishing the deglazed surfaces. The fifth group (Wx) was polished with diamond particle-impregnated wax (Dura-Polish Dia). In all these three groups, polishing was done for 40 s. The deglazed surfaces of the sixth group (WhWx) were polished initially with polishing wheel for 40 s and then with diamond particle-impregnated wax for 40 s. In the seventh group (KWx), the deglazed surfaces were polished with an adjustment kit (Porcelain Adjustment kit) for 40 s followed by diamond particle-impregnated wax (Dura-Polish Dia) for 40 s. In the sixth and seventh groups, the total polishing time was 80 s each. From each group, one specimen was set aside for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The remaining ten specimens in each group underwent colorimetry and profilometry. Colorimeter (Minolta CR-200b ChromaMeter; Minolta, Osaka, Japan) was used to measure parameters according to CIE L*a*b* colour system and colour difference (ΔE) between control and other groups were calculated. Profilometer (Talysurf CLI 2000) was used to measure the surface roughness (Ra). The data were statistically analysed by one way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. The colour differences were well within the acceptable range of 3.3 units in groups subjected to polishing. Polishing with porcelain adjustment kit alone, diamond particle-impregnated wax alone or polishing wheel followed by diamond wax created surfaces with smoothness comparable to the glazed surfaces. The group polished by adjustment kit followed by diamond particle-impregnated wax showed surface roughness significantly less than the glazed surfaces. The SEM observations were corroboratory. It can be concluded that polishing with porcelain adjustment kit followed by diamond particle-impregnated wax, created surfaces significantly smoother than the glazed specimens with no significant negative effect on colour and thus can be a technique superior to glazing.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13191-013-0313-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Surface characteristics of posterior composites after polishing and toothbrushing

The surface characteristics of eight posterior and two anterior composite resins were studied by SEM and profilometric tracings. The materials included both chemically cured and light-cured resin systems. Two posterior materials were microfilled composites; the others were conventional or hybrid types. The anterior composites were of conventional and hybrid types. At various steps in the procedures the following polishing/brushing treatments were evaluated: 1) dry polishing with Sof-Iex discs followed by brushing with toothpaste; and 2) wet polishing with diamond pastes of increasing fineness, followed by brushing with toothpaste. The base line before the polishing/brushing procedures was obtained by wet polishing on silicon-carbide paper (4000 grit). All materials could be polished to a comparable smoothness by the Sof-lex discs, but this polishing procedure was associated with the development of an amorphous surface layer. Polishing with diamond pastes gave various results, with a 20-fold difference in surface roughness values from the smoothest to the roughest material. Toothbrushing after polishing with the Sof-lex system increased the surface roughness for all materials, but to various degrees. The two microfilled and four of the conventional posterior composites showed comparable surface roughness values, whereas two remaining posterior and the two anterior materials showed two to three times higher surface roughness values after toothbrushing. □ In vitro study; operative dentistry; profilometric investigation; scanning electron microscopy; surface roughness, composite resin     

Surface roughness of five different dental ceramic core materials after grinding and polishing

In clinical practice, core materials can be exposed after adjustments are made to previously-luted all-ceramic restorations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness of five different dental ceramic core materials after grinding and polishing. Five different ceramic core materials, Vita In-Ceram Alumina, Vita In-Ceram Zirconia, IPS Empress 2, Procera AllCeram, and Denzir were evaluated. Vita Mark II was used as a reference material. The surface roughness, Ra value (mum), was registered using a profilometer. The measurements were made before and after grinding with diamond rotary cutting instruments and after polishing with the Sof-Lex system. The surface of representative specimens was evaluated qualitatively using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results were statistically analysed using analysis of variance (anova) supplemented with Scheffè's and Bonferroni multiple-comparison tests. Before grinding, Procera AllCeram and Denzir had the smoothest surfaces, while IPS Empress 2 had the coarsest. After grinding, all materials except IPS Empress 2 became coarser. Polishing with Sof-Lex provided no significant (P > 0.05) differences between Denzir, Vita Mark II and IPS Empress 2 or between Procera AllCeram and In-Ceram Zirconia. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) either between the ground and the polished Procera AllCeram or In-Ceram Alumina specimens. Polishing of Denzir, IPS Empress 2 and In-Ceram Zirconia made the surfaces smoother compared with the state after grinding, whereas the polishing effect on Procera AllCeram and In-Ceram Alumina was ineffective. The findings of the SEM evaluation were consistent with the profilometer readings.     

Surface characteristics of posterior composites after polishing and toothbrushing

The surface characteristics of eight posterior and two anterior composite resins were studied by SEM and profilometric tracings. The materials included both chemically cured and light-cured resin systems. Two posterior materials were microfilled composites; the others were conventional or hybrid types. The anterior composites were of conventional and hybrid types. At various steps in the procedures the following polishing/brushing treatments were evaluated: 1) dry polishing with Sof-lex discs followed by brushing with toothpaste; and 2) wet polishing with diamond pastes of increasing fineness, followed by brushing with toothpaste. The base line before the polishing/brushing procedures was obtained by wet polishing on silicon-carbide paper (4000 grit). All materials could be polished to a comparable smoothness by the Sof-lex discs, but this polishing procedure was associated with the development of an amorphous surface layer. Polishing with diamond pastes gave various results, with a 20-fold difference in surface roughness values from the smoothest to the roughest material. Toothbrushing after polishing with the Sof-lex system increased the surface roughness for all materials, but to various degrees. The two microfilled and four of the conventional posterior composites showed comparable surface roughness values, whereas two remaining posterior and the two anterior materials showed two to three times higher surface roughness values after toothbrushing.     

Enamel surfaces following interproximal reduction with different methods

OBJECTIVE: To assess the surface roughness resulting after application of currently available interproximal polishing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis was carried out by means of digital subtraction radiography, profilometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The roughness of natural untreated enamel served as the reference. Five enamel reduction methods were tested (Profin, New Metal Strips, O-Drive D30, Air Rotor, and the Ortho-Strips) and were applied in accordance with their manufacturers' recommendations. Fifty-five teeth were treated by randomly chosen methods, all of which were applied by one person. One proximal surface was only ground and left unpolished while the other received the finishing and polish recommended by the manufacturer. RESULTS: Loss of tooth substance, as measured by subtraction radiography, was significantly lower (P < .05) for the group treated with Ortho-Strips. Profilometric analysis of enamel roughness showed that the use of Ortho-Strips, O-Drive D30, and New Metal Strips in the grinding mode produced equally rough surfaces (P > .05). The Air Rotor and Profin system in the grinding mode produced the significantly (P < .05) roughest surfaces. A significant (P < .05) reduction of the mean roughness values was registered in all groups when treatment was followed by polishing. The Profin system and Ortho-Strips achieved the significantly smoothest surfaces (P < .05) with polishing. CONCLUSIONS: In general, interproximal enamel reduction should be followed by thorough polishing. Furthermore, oscillating systems seem to be advantageous.