Objective: To compare the effect of surface finishing and polishing protocols on the surface roughness (Ra) of methacrylate-based and silorane-based resin composites.
Methods and materials: Fifty specimens (5 mm x 2 mm) of each composite material were prepared using a split mold: Filtek™ Supreme Ultra (3M ESPE), Tetric EvoCeram® (Ivoclar Vivadent), Tetric Ceram™ HB (Ivoclar Vivadent), and Filtek™ LS Low Shrink (3M ESPE). Specimens were divided into five groups (n = 10) according to the following procedures: G1 - 15-µm fine diamond bur (FDB); G2 - 15-µm FDB followed by a 20-fluted tungsten carbide bur; G3 - 15-µm FDB followed by diamond-impregnated micropolishing points (D-FINE Double Diamond Polishing System, Clinician's Choice); G4 - 15-µm FDB followed by diamond-impregnated micropolishing points (Flame Point Pre-polisher and Shine, Brassseler USA); and G5 - 15-µm FDB followed by the application of a surface sealer (PermaSeal®, Ultradent Products, Inc.). Ra was measured in three different regions using a surface profilometer (Mitutoyo Surfest SJ-210, Mitutoyo America).
Results: Multiple comparisons were obtained using a one-way ANOVA with Tukey's B rank order test ( = 0.05). No significant differences in Ra were observed among the resin composites tested in the same condition. The use of a FDB generated the highest roughness values, while the use of a surface sealer resulted in the lowest roughness values for all resin composites tested (P < .05). No significant difference in Ra was observed between the use of a multi-fluted carbide bur and the rubber point D-FINE Double Diamond Polishing System for all resin composites tested.