Ceramic versus Composite Resin Polishing Systems on the Surface Roughness of Milled Leucite-Reinforced Ceramics

Abstract

Background and Objective: This study aimed to compare the surface finish of milled leucite-reinforced ceramics polished with ceramic and composite polishing systems based on the manufacturers’ recommendations. Materials and Methods: Sixty subtractive computer-aided manufactured (s-CAM) leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic specimens (IPS-Empress-CAD) were assigned into six groups: no polishing, a ceramic polishing kit, and four composite kit groups. The roughness average (Ra) was evaluated in microns using a profilometer, and scanning electron micrographs were obtained for qualitative analysis. A Tukey HSD posthoc test (α = 0.05) was used to determine significant intergroup differences. Results: After surface evaluation of the ceramics, the Ra values of the polishing systems ranked OptraFine (0.41 ± 0.26) Discussion: Composite polishing systems did not provide as smooth surfaces as the ceramic polishing kit for CAD-CAM leucite-reinforced ceramics. Thus, using ceramic polishing systems, polishing leucite ceramics is recommended, whereas composite polishing systems should not be considered as an alternative for use in minimally invasive dentistry.

Keywords

• composite resins
• dental bonding
• dental ceramics
• dental materials
• dental porcelain
• dental polishing