Effects of prophylaxis polishing pastes on the surface properties of enamel and dental restorations.

Purpose: To determine the effects of rubber-cup polishing with different prophylaxis polishing pastes (PPP) on the color stability and surface properties of enamel and dental restorations.

Methods: Direct (DC) and indirect composite (IC) samples were produced in disc-shaped plexiglass molds (10 x 2 mm). Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) composite blocks (CC) were sliced at a 2 mm thickness and the vestibular enamel surfaces (ES) of human incisors were included. A total of 96 samples were prepared and randomly divided into three subgroups (n= 8). The color, surface gloss and roughness measurements were performed before and after rubber-cup polishing at 2000 rpm for 12 seconds. Analysis of variance was used for statistical evaluation.

Results: No significant difference was observed between the surface roughness change values after polishing with all three PPPs in DC, IC, and ES. However, in the CC group, Cleanic paste caused the highest roughness values and gloss reduction. The highest color change has occurred in the ES, and the least was observed in IC and CC groups. The type of PPP has a significant effect on the color stability and surface properties of enamel and dental restorations as well as the restorative material type.

Clinical significance: Prophylaxis polishing pastes may have detrimental effects on the surface properties of restorative materials in relation to the type of abrasive they contained and the roughness value.