Background
The objective of this study was to compare dentists’ perceptions of gloss values of
composite specimens with increased levels and to identify the gloss value considered
to be clinically acceptable.
Methods
Disk-shaped composite specimens were finished and polished 3 ways: metallurgically
using silicon carbide papers and alumina paste, manually using Enhance finisher and
PoGo polisher (EP) (Dentsply Sirona), and manually using Sof-Lex (SLex) disks (3M).
Specimens were produced with surface gloss ranging from 0 through 100 gloss units
(GU) in increments of approximately 10 GU as measured with a glossmeter. A GU of 0
was nonglossy, and a GU of 100 was perfectly glossy. Ten dentists evaluated the specimens,
ranking them in order from low to high gloss and in 4 groups: low (dull or rough),
medium (moderate gloss, clinically unacceptable), high (glossy, clinically acceptable),
and superior gloss. The authors performed Spearman correlation analysis (α = 0.05).
Results
For each finish and polish method, there was an excellent correlation between the
machine-measured (actual) gloss ranks and the clinician-evaluated gloss ranks (
r
2 ≥ 0.95). There was no difference in perception of surface gloss of the composite
when metallurgically polished (with silicon carbide papers and alumina paste) or polished
with EP to the same GU. There was a slight difference in gloss perception when comparing
the 2 different commercial polishing systems.
Conclusions
Ten dentists consistently perceived gloss of 40 through 50 GU as clinically acceptable.
However, the composite was considered clinically acceptable at a lower gloss (40 GU)
when polished with SLex disks than when polished with EP or metallurgically (50 GU).
Practical Implications
Gloss values of 40 through 50 GU are considered to be clinically acceptable for resin
composites.
