Effects of different polishing systems on the surface roughness and microhardness of a silorane-based composite

Abstract

The current study investigated the effects of different polishing systems on the surface roughness and microhardness of a silorane-based resin composite. Forty disks were fabricated (ø = 12 mm, h = 2.5 mm) of Filtek P90 (3 M ESPE, USA). The specimens were divided into four groups (n = 10), according to the polishing system: G1 - Mylar strip (control); G2 - Felt-disc + diamond paste, G3 - Sandpaper discs; G4 - Silicone tips. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h. The external surface roughness was determined through measuring the Ra of the specimens. The Vickers microhardness was measured using a microhardness tester. The values of surface roughness and microhardness of each specimen were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Games-Howell and Ryan-Einot-Gabriel-Welsch (REGW-Q), and setting the statistical significance at p ≤ 0.05. It was observed that G2 (0.42 μm) and G4 (0.43 μm) showed statistically significant differences when compared to groups G1 (0.25 μm) and G3 (0.19 μm) (p <0.05). There was no statistical difference between groups regarding microhardness (p > 0.05). The polishing systems altered the surface roughness of a silorane-based resin composite, but did not influence the microhardness values.