Composite Surface Roughness and Color Change Following Airflow Usage

Abstract

Background: Esthetic dental restorations have gained increasing popularity. The restoration surface should be smooth enough to prevent adhesion of microorganisms and food particles, and achieve maximum esthetics. This study aimed to assess the surface roughness and color change of composite specimens following the use of an airflow device. Methods: In this in vitro, experimental study, 30 Tokuyama composite discs were fabricated and randomly divided into three groups (n=10) for the use of airflow with calcium carbonate powder, airflow with sodium bicarbonate powder, and conventional polishing with FlexiDisc. The surface roughness of specimens was measured by profilometry while the color change was evaluated by measuring the L*, a* and b* color parameters by spectrophotometry before polishing (T1). The composite specimens were then polished for stain removal and their surface roughness and color parameters were measured again after polishing (T2). Paired t-test and Tukey’s test were applied for within-group and between-group comparisons.Results: Significant differences were noted in surface roughness (Ra) between airflow with calcium carbonate (0.251 ± 0.014 µm) and airflow with sodium bicarbonate (0.421 ± 0.208 µm), and also between airflow with sodium bicarbonate and FlexiDisc (0.207 ± 0.076 µm) groups after polishing (P<0.05). Regarding the correlation of change in surface roughness and color parameters at T1 and T2, an inverse correlation was noted between the change in surface roughness and all color parameters except for L*. In other words, increasing the surface roughness difference (surface smoothing), decreased the a* and b* color parameters. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the results showed that the airflow device used in this study had no significant difference with the conventional polishing in terms of reduction in surface roughness and staining. Considering the cost and maintenance of the airflow device, it is not suggested as a suitable alternative to the conventional polishing procedures. Trial Registration Number: This is not a human subject research.