Effect of different finishing: polishing systems on the surface roughness of two heat-treated composite resins

The aim of this study was to compare the surface roughness achieved by different finishing/polishing systems on two composite resins for direct use after thermic treatment. The specimens (n = 40 per group (G); G1 = Filtck P60; G2 = Fill Magic registered ) were set up on a matrix of stainless steel with circular internal niches ( = 10.0 mm; h = 2.0 mm). Next, they were subjected to thermal treatment in a heated chamber at 170 degree C for 10 minutes. They were then divided randomly into four subgroups (Sg) to receive the surface treatment according to the finishing/ polishing systems tested (n = 10): Sg A: Control; Sg B: Diamond registered felt disc + Diamond Excel registered diamond paste; Sg C: Sof-Lcx registered discs; and Sg D: Enhance silicon tips. The mean roughness (Ra) was determined using a digital surface roughncs tester. Data was analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukcy's post-hoc test ( alpha = 0.05). Differences between the surface treatments were found on both resins (p < 0.05). In G1, the lowest mean Ra values were observed using Sg C (0.07 mu m) and the highest for Sg D (0.12 mu m) (p < 0.05). There was no difference between Sg B (0.08 mu m) and Sg C (0.07 mu m) (p = 0.076). In G2, (here was a progressive increase in mean Ra values from Sg D (0.05 mu m) to Sg C (0.06 mu m) and to Sg B (0.07 mu m) (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the finishing/polishing systems modified Ra on both resins.