How to polish a composite restoration in posterior area?

By Dr. Aleksandra Łyżwińska, Warsaw, Poland.

Every dentist aims to polish to a high gloss without damaging the freshly modeled occlusal surface. Firstly, use high-quality polishing rubbers. The plural form is not accidental (Fig. 1). In my opinion, a single rubber systems are not capable of achieving an impeccable gloss in a safe manner. Be patient and gentle. Polishing requires time and a delicate touch.

Fig. 1.

Immediately after polymerization the composite is covered with an oxygen inhibition layer (Fig. 2). It is imperative to remove it by a brush and any polishing paste or a prophylactic sandblaster. The next step is to remove excess composite using abrasive discs, burs and firm polishing rubber points.

Fig. 2.

During polishing without water cooling, the rubber leaves crumbling on the composite surface (Fig. 3). These fragments can be spread across the restoration surface using a fine nylon brush. This allows for the polishing of each fissure and pit (Fig. 4).

Fig. 3.

Fig. 4.

The key to long lasting shine is polishing with gradation. Time to change a rubber point to the dark blue TWIST DIA for Composite rubber, which is more abrasive than light blue one (Fig. 5). Remember to apply gentle pressure and maintain a maximum speed of 8000 revolutions per minute. This way, you will achieve fine particles without the risk of overheating the pulp. The particles were once again spread over the entire surface. The thinner the bristle, the better the polishing effect in the grooves (Fig. 6).

Fig. 5.

Fig. 6.

Third round: use the light blue TWIST DIA for Composite rubber for a mirror-like gloss (Fig. 7). A beautiful gloss emerges beneath the particles. An alternative to thin nylon brushes is brushes made from natural goat hair (Fig. 8).

Fig. 7.

Fig. 8.

Polishing is not only a matter of aesthetics but, above all, function. The adherence of bacterial biofilm to a polished composite is significantly lower than to a rough surface (Fig. 9). My recipe for achieving a mirror-like gloss polish: high-quality diamond rubber points with gradation, used with sensitivity over an extended period (Fig. 10).

Fig. 9.

Fig. 10.

Dentist:

DR. ALEKSANDRA ŁYŻWIŃSKA
Warsaw, Poland

Dr. Aleksandra Łyżwińska is a restorative dentist. She graduated from the Warsaw Medical University in 2017, where she was an assistant professor at the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics. Her focus lies in modern adhesive techniques, resin composites and biomaterials.

• 2024. gada 23. janv.

TWIST DIA for Composite Apskatīt produktu