Original Research. Surface Roughness Changes of Different Restoration Materials after Tooth Brushing Simulation Using Different Toothpastes

Background: The need for the whitening effects of toothpastes became primary for most users. Changes in the surface roughness of restoration materials after tooth brushing are inevitable, and the abrasion is known to increase the possibility of dental plaque accumulation. Aim of the study: To evaluate in vitro surface roughness changes of different dental restorative materials after tooth brushing simulation. Material and methods: Fifty specimens of two composite materials (Evicrol, Super-Cor), two glass ionomer materials (Glassfill, Kavitan Cem) and a silicate cement (Fritex) were prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Each group of specimens was divided in three subgroups for tooth brushing simulation: using two different types of toothpaste and without toothpaste. Before and after 153 hours of tooth brushing simulation with a custom-made device, the surface roughness was measured with a surface roughness tester. Statistical analysis was performed after collecting the data. Results: All materials exhibited changes in surface roughness after the use of both toothpastes. The self-curing composite showed the less change and glass ionomer materials showed the greatest changes in surface roughness. Conclusions: The surface changes of dental materials depended on their composition and the cleaning procedure. Although self-curing composite was the most resistant to surface changes, its surface roughness values were high. Light-curing composite presented the lowest surface roughness values, even after brushing with toothpastes. The “medium” labeled toothbrush caused significant changes without toothpaste on the surface of light-curing composite, glass ionomer and silicate cement materials.