Polishability and Color Stability of Nanohybrid Resin Composite with Surface Pre-reacted Glass-ionomer Filler Using Different Polishing Systems

Background: Resin composites are commonly used in restorative dentistry; however, their color stability and polishability can be influenced by factors such as the type of filler and the polishing techniques employed. Aim: To evaluate the influence of different polishing systems on the surface roughness and color properties of nanohybrid resin composites, with or without surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler, after immersion in red wine. Materials and Methods: Cylindrical specimens of conventional nanohybrid resin composite (Forma, Ultradent) and those containing S-PRG filler (Beautifil II LS, Shofu) were prepared and polished using either abrasive rubber disks (Jiffy, Ultradent) or abrasive-coated disks (SuperSnap, Shofu). Roughness (Ra, Surfitest SG-210) and color stability (CIE Lab*, CIEDE2000, Classical VITA scale, VITA Easyshade) were measured at baseline after the polishing procedure and after red wine exposure for 7 days. Data were assessed using generalized linear models, Friedman, Nemenyi, and Mann–Whitney tests ( α = 0.05). Results: Both materials showed increased roughness after polishing ( p = .016). Higher Δ E ab , Δ E 00 , and Ra values were found after polishing with abrasive rubber disks and after wine exposure ( p < .05). After wine exposure, the resin composite with S-PRG filler presented lower L * values and higher a *, b *, Δ E ab , and Δ E 00 values compared to conventional nanohybrid material ( p < .001). As for the VITA scale, there was an increase in the scores for all the materials after red wine exposure ( p < .001). Conclusion: The S-PRG-filled resin composite had greater roughness alteration and lower color stability than the conventional resin composite; however, these negative effects were minimized when the polishing was performed with abrasive-coated disks. The study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate polishing techniques for resin composites with S-PRG filler to maintain their color stability and surface smoothness. Further research could explore the clinical performance of these materials polished with different systems and investigate the effect of other staining agents.