Methods: Square-shaped (10x10x2mm) specimens were prepared for six direct resin composites: Estelite Sigma Quick (EQ, Tokuyama Dental), Estelite Sigma (ES, Tokuyama dental), Supreme XT (SP, 3M-Espe), Premise (PR, Kerr), Heliomolar (HM, Ivoclar Vivadent) and CeramX Mono (CX, Dentsply). EQ and ES were chosen as supra-nano spherical filler filled resin composites. Each specimen was cured according to the manufacturer's recommendation. After polymerization, all specimens were pre-roughened with 1500-grit sand paper. Half of the specimens were polished with a diamond-impregnated rubber point. Specimens were then brushed with a flat nylon brush (Merssage brush no.1, Shofu) attached to an electrical handpiece at 300 rpm for 60 seconds using prophylaxis paste (Merssage Fine, Shofu). Surface textures before and after brushing were examined by the measurement of gloss and laser microscopic observation.
Results: Gloss of the polished specimens decreased after brushing for all groups. EQ and ES exhibited higher gloss than others. Gloss of the pre-roughened specimens increased after brushing for EQ and ES. Laser microscopic observation revealed the loss of resin matrix and filler texture characteristic of the composite. EQ and ES showed formation of smooth surface textures even after brushing.
Conclusion: Supra-nano spherical filler filled resin composites: EQ and ES show stable higher gloss after brushing with prophylaxis paste.