The Effects of Chairside Adjustment on the Surface Roughness of Contemporary Dental Ceramics: A Narrative Review

Abstract

ABSTRACTFinishing and polishing dental ceramics after chairside adjustments is necessary to regain the original surface topography. Though highly subjective, visual and tactile assessment are the most practical ways to assess surface roughness clinically. Several manufacturers recommend polishing kits for specific ceramic materials that differ in efficacy. Proper polishing protocols require the use of sequential polishing instruments that reduce the size of the adjustment abrasions, improve aesthetics and reduce plaque accumulation. If polishing systems are interchanged, stepwise use of a zirconia polishing system may have a “universal” effect on different ceramic substrates. Adjusting zirconia restorations could result in phase transformation and potentially compromise flexural strength. The extent of this degradation is dependent on the yttria content of the zirconia. This may be reduced by appropriate finishing and polishing.

Keywords

• Polishing
• dental ceramics
• surface roughness
• zirconia
• phase transformation