Comparison of polishing effects of three polishing systems on machinable composite resins

To compare the polishing effects of three different polishing systems on machinable composite resins and to provide a basis for the rational selection of polishing systems in the clinic.

Block HC, Cerasmart, and Hyramic were fabricated into 90 test pieces. Then, 30 test pieces for each material were randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 pieces per group. The pieces were polished with the Vita Enamic^® Polishing Set (Vita group), EVE RA341 composite polishing set (Eve group), and Toboo M elastic ceramic polishing set (Tob group). The surface roughness and gloss of each test piece after polishing were measured, and the surface morphology was observed using a scanning electron microscope.

The surface roughness values of the Vita and Eve groups for the same composite material were significantly lower than those in the Tob group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the Vita and Eve groups (P > 0.05). Lower roughness values could be achieved. The gloss values of the three composite resins in the same material group were in the order of Vita group > Eve group > Tob group, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the surface roughness and gloss values were found among the different composite resins (P > 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy showed that the Vita group had fewer and lighter scratches on the surface and a more uniform texture.

The Vita Enamic^® Polishing Set can be used to cut composite resin and yields the lowest roughness and highest gloss values with the best polishing effect. The same polishing system did not exhibit significant differences in the polishing effect for different machinable composite resins.