Effect of dry and wet finishing and polishing on color change and opacity of nanofill and nanohybrid composites

Abstract

Background: As superior esthetic is one of the main reasons for using composite resins, it is very important to be familiar with factors and techniques affecting their optical properties and appearance. Aim: The aim of this study was comparing the effect of finishing and polishing with and without water coolant, on the color change and opacity of composite resin materials. Methods: Composites used for preparing samples were Z250 (microhybrid), Z350XT (nanofilled), and Z550 (nanohybrid). Then divided into 4 groups of 5 depending on finishing and polishing technique (dry or wet) and time (immediate and after twenty-four hours). After polishing, samples were assessed using a spectrophotometer. Color change and opacity were determined. Data was analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. Results: Type of material at both time had a significant effect on ΔE and opacity. Our results in dry and wet technique immediately(T0) showed that the highest and lowest ΔE and opacity belong to Z350XT (p < 0.001). After Twenty-four hours (T24), opacity of Z250 in wet condition was higher than dry condition (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Wet or dry technique was only effective on color in immediate polishing. Regarding opacity, technique was only effective in case of delayed polishing.