Effect of finishing and polishing systems on surface roughness and color stability of aesthetic restorations exposed to staining solution.

The color and the surface roughness of aesthetic restorations are related to the clinical sucess and longevity of these treatments. Aim: This study evaluated the influence of finishing and polishing systems, and storage media on the surface roughness and color stability of aesthetic restorative composites. Materials and Method: Cylindrical specimens (n=10) were prepared and treated according to: 1. Type of composite resin (nanofilled- Filtek Z350XT, suprananofilled- Estelite Omega, nanohybrid- Empress Direct); 2. Type of finishing and polishing systems (no polishing, aluminum oxide discs or abrasive rubber polishers); and 3. Type of immersion medium (water or coffee, 3 h/day/30 days). Surface roughness (Ra - μm) and color stability (L, ΔEab, and ΔE00) were evaluated at baseline (after polishing) and final time (after immersion). Data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and Student-Newman-Keuls tests (α=0.05). Results: Nanohybrid (p<0.001) and suprananofilled composite resins (p=0.004) showed an increase in Ra after polishing, regardless the finishing and polishing system. After immersion in coffee, the nanofilled composite had the highest roughness values (p=0.032). L values increased for all resins after polishing (p<0.05). Suprananofilled composites had the greatest color stability with the lowest values of ΔEab and ΔE00. Conclusions: Finishing and polishing systems had an impact on the surface roughness and color stability of all aesthetic resins, and their effectiveness depended on the type of composite resin.