Evaluation of Surface Roughness of Different Bulk-Fill Composites After Polishing

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of polishing systems on surface roughness of different bulk-fill composites.
Methods: The bulk-fill composites SonicFill, Filtek Bulkfill, Tetric EvoCeram Bulkfill and Solitare 2 (Control) were evaluated. A total of 112 specimens (8 mm in diameter, 2 mm in thickness) were fabricated in a metal mold covered with a Mylar strip. After polymerization, seven specimens per group received no polishing treatment and served as the control. For each composite group, the specimens were randomly divided into three polishing systems: Sof-Lex, Enhance, Onegloss (n=7). All polishing systems were applied according to the manufacturers’ instructions after being ground wet with 600, 800 and 1200 grid silicon carbide paper. The surface roughness values were determined using a profilometer. Statistical analyses were performed by using two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests for multiple comparison at a significance level of p<0.002.

Results: All of the control groups exhibited the significantly minimum surface roughness values (p<0.001). When the resin composites were compared, the most smooth surface was observed in Solitare 2 (Control) group polished with Sof-Lex discs while the most rough surface was determined in Filtek Bulkfill polished with Sof-Lex discs.
Conclusions: Mylar strip produced lowest surface roughness on all composite material. The effect of polishing systems on surface roughness values was dependent on both composite material and polishing sysytems.