INTRODUCTION: Resin composite is a versatile material in cosmetic dentistry due mainly to its optical properties, fluorescence among them. There are a few studies which assessed such property and a comparison of results becomes difficult due to the lack of a pattern in the specimens storage and confection methodologies. OBJECTIVE: Verify the influence of superficial polishing and means of storage in in vitro studies that assess the optical property of fluorescence in dental resin composites. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 70 circular specimens (10 mm × 2 mm) were prepared with microhybrid composite resin (Opallis, - A2E - FGM). The means of storage were: deionized water, tap water and artificial saliva. The superficial polishing protocols used 600, 1200 and 2500 sandpaper grit sizes, accomplished with polisher after specimens were obtained. The fluorescence intensity values were assessed using Cary Eclipse Fluorescence Spectrophotometer after 1, 7 and 21 days. RESULT: There was not a statistically significant difference in Fluorescence Intensity among the groups submitted to the different polishing protocols. Concerning the means of storage, from the seventh day on the fluorescence variation was significantly bigger in tap and deionized water, compared to artificial saliva, such result kept on after 21 days. CONCLUSION: the superficial polishing protocol did not promote significant changes in the assessed resin composite fluorescence. Regarding the means of storage, the fluorescence intensity was less affected when in artificial saliva.
Composite resins; fluorescence; esthetics, dental