The effect of three finishing systems on esthetic restorative materials

In this study, surface roughness of three esthetic materials namely composite resin, resin-modified glass ionomer, and a compomer were examined using three finishing and polishing systems. Thirty samples of each material were prepared. Ten samples from each material were then finished and polished with one of the three systems (Sof-Lex discs, a combination of diamond and silicone points, and carbide finishing burs). Surface roughness (R ) of the samples after finishing and polishing were measured using a perthometer. The results showed that Sof-Lex discs and a combination of diamond and silicone points produced significantly better finished and polished surfaces on composite resin than on the other two materials. The roughest surfaces were obtained by carbide burs on glass ionomer (Photac-Fil). Although a combination of diamond and silicone points could provide acceptable finishing and polishing surfaces for composite resin and resin-modified glass ionomer surfaces, Sof-Lex discs provided smoother surfaces.King Saud Universit