Evaluation of surface roughness of composites obtained by additive and subtractive manufacturing methods after sandblasting

Aim: The aim of this study was to observe the change in the surface roughness of composite samples produced by different production methods after sandblasting with aluminum oxide particles and to evaluate the effect of this on the composite material. Methodology: The study tested three subtractive method composites (GC Cerasmart [GC], Vita Enamic [VE] and Grandio Voco [GV]) and one additive method composite (3D Formlabs [3D]) were used. Each subtractive composite had 11 samples (14 x 14 x 2 mm) prepared with an Isomet low-speed saw, whereas the additive composite had 11 specimens produced using an SLA-based 3D printer (Form 2; Formlabs Inc). For roughness measurements and sandblasting, the samples were marked with an adhesive circular paper. Surface roughness was measured using a MarSurf SF1 profilometer, with three readings per sample. Sandblasting with aluminum oxide particles (50 µm) was performed using an Aquacare twin in-mouth sandblaster, and surface roughness measurements were repeated. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) via SPSS 26, with significance set at p=0.05. Results: Among the composite samples, Vita Enamic (VE) had the highest average roughness value, and 3D Formlabs (3D) had the lowest. VE had a mean roughness value of 0.4575 µm, GC had a mean roughness value of 0.4627 µm, GV had a mean roughness value of 0.665 µm and D had a mean roughness value of 0.4575 µm. All groups were compared pairwise with each other. A significant difference was found between the GV-D, VE-D, GC-GV, GC-VE, and GC-D group pairings (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the GV-VE and GC-D group pairings (p>0.05). Conclusion: Sandblasting with aluminum oxide was observed to increase the roughness of the materials, and the roughness varied depending on the nature of the material. Further studies are required to investigate the effects of roughness on the bonding. How to cite this article: Güntekin N, Alkurt S, Çiftçi A, Gönder HY, Büyükerkmen EB. Evaluation of surface roughness of composites obtained by additive and subtractive manufacturing methods after sandblasting. Int Dent Res. 2024;14(S1):60-64 https://doi.org/10.5577/indentres.559