The aim of this study was to compare the surface roughness achieved by different finishing/polishing systems on two composite resins for direct use after thermic treatment. The specimens (n = 40 per group (G); G1 = Filtek™ P60; G2 = Fill Magic®) were set up on a matrix of stainless steel with circular internal niches (Ø = 10.0 mm; h = 2.0 mm). Next, they were subjected to thermal treatment in a heated chamber at 170 °C for 10 minutes. They were then divided randomly into four subgroups (Sg) to receive the surface treatment according to the finishing/polishing systems tested (n = 10): Sg A: Control; Sg B: Diamond® felt disc + Diamond Excel® diamond paste; Sg C: Sof-Lex® discs; and Sg D: Enhance™ silicon tips. The mean roughness (Ra) was determined using a digital surface roughnes tester. Data was analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α = 0.05). Differences between the surface treatments were found on both resins (p < 0.05). In G1, the lowest mean Ra values were observed using Sg C (0.07 μm) and the highest for Sg D (0.12 μm) (p < 0.05). There was no difference between Sg B (0.08 μm) and Sg C (0.07 μm) (p = 0.076). In G2, there was a progressive increase in mean Ra values from Sg D (0.05 μm) to Sg C (0.06 μm) and to Sg B (0.07 μm) (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the finishing/polishing systems modified Ra on both resins.
composite resins; dental polishing; heat treatment
