Finishing & Polishing
Finishing and Polishing Composite Restorations
Finishing and Polishing Composite Restorations. A critical step in clinical restorative procedures.
Aesthetic restorations are integral to modern dental practice. Composite material is a widely used and popular choice for aesthetic restorations due to its versatile combination of aesthetics, affordability, and conservation, making it suitable for both anterior and posterior teeth. The primary reasons for replacing composite restorations are color change, fracture, and marginal degradation leading to secondary caries. With proper adherence to treatment protocols, composite restorations exhibit good longevity and survival rates.
The key to achieving aesthetics and bio-integration in composite restorations lies in the finishing and polishing process, a critical step in clinical restorative procedures.
Ensuring a smooth surface is crucial for successful restorations, enhancing aesthetics and maintaining oral health. A smooth surface provides patient comfort and reduces irritations to the cheeks, tongue, and lips. Patients can detect surface roughness changes as small as 0.3 μm with their tongue. A rough surface can attract bacterial adhesion, plaque accumulation, gingival irritation, and periodontal disease, leading to increased surface staining and aesthetic degradation. Additionally, increased microleakage can cause staining at restoration margins, sensitivity, and secondary caries formation, as well as wear on opposing and adjacent teeth. A dental practitioner's knowledge and attitude towards oral health are essential for delivering effective, evidence-based treatments.
Polishing a dental restoration is a meticulous process that ensures both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the final product.
Polishing a dental restoration involves several key stages to achieve a smooth surface, remove scratches, and obtain a high-gloss finish.
1. Initial Shaping and Smoothing
The process begins with the initial shaping of the restoration. This involves removing excess composite material and defining the overall shape using coarse and medium-grit diamond burs. Proper contouring is crucial at this stage to ensure that the restoration fits well with the adjacent teeth and maintains proper occlusion.
2. Fine Shaping and Pre-polishing
Once the general shape is achieved, finer diamond burs or abrasive discs are used to smooth out the surface. This step focuses on removing any rough edges and making the surface more uniform. A careful touch is essential to avoid creating deep scratches that will be difficult to remove later.
3. Removing Scratches
To remove any residual scratches, a series of progressively finer polishing discs or strips are used. Each subsequent grit level helps to further refine the surface, gradually eliminating the scratches left by the previous, coarser grit. It's important to use the discs in the correct sequence and to ensure even coverage to avoid uneven polishing.
4. High-Gloss Finish
Achieving a high-gloss finish involves using ultra-fine polishing pastes and soft polishing brushes or felt discs. These materials help to create a smooth, mirror-like surface. Polishing pastes often contain fine abrasive particles that remove microscopic surface irregularities, resulting in a high shine.
5. Final Touches
The final step is to inspect the restoration for any remaining imperfections. A magnifying loupe can help identify areas that may need additional polishing. Adjustments should be made as necessary to ensure the restoration is flawless and blends seamlessly with the natural teeth.
Tips for Optimal Results
Consistent Pressure: Apply even pressure when using polishing discs and brushes to avoid creating new scratches.
Proper Sequencing: Follow the recommended sequence of grits to ensure a smooth transition between each polishing stage.
Thorough Inspection: Regularly inspect the restoration under magnification to catch and correct any imperfections early in the process.
This methodical approach ensures that dental restorations not only look aesthetically pleasing but also function effectively without causing discomfort or other issues. Dental professionals can ensure that restorations not only fit perfectly but also look natural and are comfortable for the patient.
