The evaluation of surface sealants' effect on the surface roughness of Nano-hybrid composite after polishing with One-Step system ( in-vitro ).

Background: The clinical use of composite resins has increased substantially due to increased esthetic demands by patients, improvements in formulation, and simplification of bonding procedures. Use of surface sealants is recommended to improve surface smoothness of composite restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface sealants on the surface roughness of nano-hybrid composite after polishing with One-Step system.

Material and Methods: Using a silicon mold, 56 specimens of 10 mm diameter and 2 mm height were prepared from Grandio nano-hybrid composite (Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany) with A2 shade. Specimens were randomly divided in 2 groups. The surface of specimens were polished with VOCO One-step system. One group of specimens assigned as control group and received no more surface treatment. Surface sealant PermaSeal (Ultradent, USA) was applied on the surface of specimens of the other group as experimental group. Specimens were stored in Ringer's solution at 37°C for 24 hours. The specimens were subjected to artificial accelerated aging with thermocycling method (3000 cycles, between 5 and 55°C) and then 100000 cycles of tooth brushing. A Profilometer was used to measuring the surface roughness of specimens before and after aging procedures.

Results: The surface roughness changes of control group were significant before and after aging ( P <0.05). The mean final surface roughness of control group was unacceptable clinically while it was acceptable in experimental group.

Conclusions: The use of surface sealants on nano-hybrid composite causes noticeable reduces in surface roughness of composite. Key words: Surface-penetrating sealant, surface roughness, nano-hybrid, composites, one-step polishing.