Investigation of the microrelief of the surfaces of dental instruments for finishing restorations made of composite materials with a low-coherence interference installation

A study of the microrelief of the surfaces of dental polishes for finishing composite and compomeric restorations with a low-coherence interference installation has been carried out. The study of the surface of instruments by optical methods and means is an objective, new and economically feasible method of research in medicine, applicable including in dentistry, therefore the work is relevant and promising. The paper defines the purpose of the research, sets the task and provides the objects and method of measurement. A functional diagram of a low-coherence interference installation is presented. The values of the distances to the surface of the working surfaces of polishes are obtained with linear movement of the surface of the polish along the OX and OY axes. The distribution of the reflection coefficient from the surface of the diameter (surface of the main cylindrical working part) and height of the working part (cone-shaped tip) of polishes is investigated, which objectively characterizes the grain size of the abrasive filler and the polishing ability of the tools. Material and methods. The research material was domestic and foreign products designed for step-by-step mechanical finishing of the surface of restorations — cone-shaped polishes for an angular tip based on urethane and silicone: Kagayaki Ensmart Pin 125, Kagayaki Ensmart Pin 70, Kagayaki Ensmart Pin 32 (Kagayaki, Russia); Enhance (Dentsply Sirona, USA); Comprehol Plus Diatech 2303RA, Composhine Plus Diatech 2403RA (Coltene, Switzerland). A developed low-coherence interference installation was used to conduct experimental studies. Results and discussion. The distances to the surface of the working surfaces of polishes when the surface of the polish is linearly moved along the OX and OY axes in increments of 100 microns relative to the light beam are obtained. It was revealed that the Kagayaki, Dentsply Sirona, Coltene polishes have a greater abrasion of the surface of the diameter of the working part than the surface of the height of the working part. Conclusion. The distributions of the reflection coefficient from the surface of the diameter and height of the working part of the polishes are analyzed.