The Effects of Chairside Adjustment on the Surface Roughness of Contemporary Dental Ceramics: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT

Finishing and polishing dental ceramics after chairside adjustments is necessary to regain the original surface topography. Though highly subjective, visual and tactile assessment are the most practical ways to assess surface roughness clinically. Several manufacturers recommend polishing kits for specific ceramic materials that differ in efficacy. Proper polishing protocols require the use of sequential polishing instruments that reduce the size of the adjustment abrasions, improve aesthetics and reduce plaque accumulation. If polishing systems are interchanged, stepwise use of a zirconia polishing system may have a “universal” effect on different ceramic substrates. Adjusting zirconia restorations could result in phase transformation and potentially compromise flexural strength. The extent of this degradation is dependent on the yttria content of the zirconia. This may be reduced by appropriate finishing and polishing.

KEYWORDS:

• Polishing
• dental ceramics
• surface roughness
• zirconia
• phase transformation

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Karina Fiona Irusa

Karina Fiona Irusa is currently an Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Department of Comprehensive Care. She graduated in 2014 from The University of Nairobi, Kenya with a Dental Doctorate Degree and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Master of Science in Operative Dentistry and Biomaterials in 2021.

James Tonogai

James Tonogai is a prosthodontist who completed his specialist training at the University of Toronto in 2021. He completed his DDS degree at Western University in 2015 and practiced for 3 years in Hamilton, Ontario before pursuing his interest in prosthodontics.

Stephanie Yeung

Stephanie Yeung, DDS is a prosthodontist practicing in Los Angeles and Seattle. She graduated from the University of Southern California with her Dental Doctorate Degree and her Prosthodontics certification.

Terence Donovan

Terry Donovan received his D.D.S. from the University of Alberta in 1967, and practiced full time in Regina, Saskatchewan for 13 years. He received his Certificate in Advanced Prosthodontics from the University of Southern California in 1981. He has held various academic positions at the University of Southern California and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for over 40 years.