Abstract
Objective:
The in vitro investigation of the wear performance of a glass-ceramic and two resin-infiltrated restorative materials when subjected to simulated toothbrushing.
Materials and Methods:
Three groups (n=13): one ceramic (IPS e.max, Ivoclar) and two resin-ceramics (LavaTM Ultimate, 3M/ESPE and Vita Enamic, Vita Zahnfabrik), were pre-polished sequentially using 180 to 4000 grit polishing papers and 6µm to 1µm diamond-polishing paste. Toothbrushing abrasion was then performed in a custom-made device using an Oral-B extra-soft toothbrush with Colgate® Regular toothpaste as the abrasive medium for the equivalent time of one, six and twelve months using a brushing force of 250g. Surface roughness was assessed by means of confocal laser scanning microscope using surface profile parameters Ra and Rt. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for identifying the surface morphology. Data were analysed by both one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests (α=0.05).
Results:
The results showed that Lava Ultimate and Vita Enamic showed minimal surface roughness with no statistical difference between their control and each other. The surface roughness of IPS e.max CAD was significantly reduced after simulated tooth brushing. SEM examination revealed that no clear differences between the tested materials with all given times. Degradation of the toothbrush bristles increased with time.
Conclusion:
The toothbrush abrasion test caused no significant effects on surface roughness of the resin-infiltrated restorative materials, but did cause a significant reduction in roughness of the glass ceramic.