Initial analysis of surface texture of restorations made of els®

The important clinical issue connected with applying composite materials is the fillings' marginal adaptation which determines the aesthetic effect, as well as the effect of treatment, seeing that there is a possibility of micro-leakage at the border between tooth structures and the filling. On the other hand, materials have ability to form the accurate and long-lasting composite material's adhesion to the tooth, which means that there is a possibility of eliminating the idea of the fillings' kept mechanically. The in-vitro clinical observations are the only one that provide the answer for the question how the applied material works in the oral cavity and how really looks its surface. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate a non-contact measurement of surface texture of fillings made with the extra low shrinkage microhybride dental material – els® (Saremco, Switzerland). Material and Method: The plaster casts of patients teeth with els fillings were used. The Proscan 2000 non-contact 3D surface measurement instrument (Scantron Industrial Products Limited, Great Britain) was used to assess the texture surface of examined dental material. Additional using of the ProForm software enabled comparison of two scans. Results: The obtained initial results showed the correctly marginal adaptation of els® dental material to hard tooth structures and its smooth filling surface. The comparison of scans done before and after treatment allowed to calculate difference in volume, mean and maximum heights. Conclusion: Non-contact 3D surface analysis is a new, very helpful method which allows to evaluate dental material texture surface. The applied equipment, showed a well, smooth surface of the els® restorations. However, future clinical studies are needed to prove usefulness of the method in general dental practice.