In-vitro Evaluation of Topical Fluoride on the Optical Properties, Surface Texture, and Hardness of Restorative Materials

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the interactions of fluoride-containing gels and varnishes on the optical properties and surface texture of composite resins, compomers, and bulk-fill composite resins. Thus, it seeks to address the current gap in the literature regarding the effect of fluoride agents on bulk-fill restorative materials. Methods: Using Teflon moulds, 50 specimens of 6 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness were produced for each of the G-ænial Posterior, Filtek™ One Bulk-Fill and Dyract-XP materials. Baseline color and surface roughnesss measurements of the specimens were performed. The specimens were subjected to the following applications: Study groups (Topex NaF gel, Topex APF gel, ProShield varnish, and MI varnish with RECALDENTTM) and Control group (distilled water). Color and surface roughness measurements were repeated after the application period. The surface microhardness of the specimens (study groups and control group) was measured using Vickers microhardness tester. Statistical analyses, including two-way analyses of variance (comparison of color, whiteness and microhardness parameters) and three-way analyses of variance (comparison of surface roughness parameter), and Pearson's correlation test (the relationship between surface roughness and color change and surface roughness), were applied. Results: The restorative material significantly (p-value