Effects of various finishing systems on the surface roughness and staining susceptibility of packable composite resins

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of various finishing systems on the surface roughness and staining of three packable resin composites and a conventional microhybrid one. Methods: Three packable composites (Solitaire—Heraeus-Kulzer, ALERT—Jeneric-Pentron, SureFil—Dentsply) and a conventional microhybrid (Z250—3M-ESPE) were used. Composite specimens were prepared and polished with Poli I and Poli II aluminum oxide pastes, Ultralap diamond paste, Enhance finishing points, Politip rubber polishers, fine and extra fine diamond burs, and 30-blade tungsten carbide burs according to the manufacturers' instructions. The polished surfaces were evaluated with a profilometer, and then immersed in 2% methylene blue for 24 h. Afterwards, the specimens were prepared for the spectrophotometric analysis. Results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: Significant differences were found for the surface roughness and staining recorded, with interaction among composite resins and the finishing systems used. No correlation was found between surface roughness and staining susceptibility ( p=0.5657). Significance: For most of the polishing agents used, Z250 presented the smoothest surfaces and the least dye uptake. ALERT presented the roughest surfaces, and Solitaire, the highest dye concentration. The smoothest surfaces were not necessarily the most stain resistant. Staining is highly influenced by each composite monomer and filler composition.