The effect of a modeling resin and thermocycling on the surface hardness, roughness, and color of different resin composites

Statement of Problem The application of modeling resin could affect the surface quality and color of resin composites. Purpose To evaluate the effects of modeling resin on the microhardness, roughness, and color of composite restorations, with and without thermocycling. Methods Sixty disc-shaped specimens for each resin composite were prepared in three groups: Group 1: A resin composite disc was cured against a polyester matrix and finished/polished; Group 2: A composite instrument was wetted with Bisco Modeling Resin (Bisco, Schaumburg, IL, USA) to smooth the composite surface, which was cured against a polyester matrix and finished/polished; Group 3: A composite instrument was wetted with modeling resin to smooth the composite surface, which was cured against a polyester matrix. Microhardness, roughness, and color were measured 24 hours after curing and after 10,000 thermocycles. Results Modeling resin significantly influenced the microhardness of GrandioSO (Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany) and Gradia Direct Posterior (GC America, Alsip, IL, USA), and the surface roughness of GrandioSO, Filtek Silorane (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA), and Aelite All Purpose Body (Bisco) (p < 0.05). The microhardness of the Group 1 resin composites was affected by thermocycling (p < 0.05); however, thermocycling had no significant effect on surface roughness (p > 0.05). Tested composites showed clinically perceptible color changes after thermocycling. In Group 1, Filtek Ultimate (3M ESPE) showed the lowest color change (p < 0.05), and in Group 2, Filtek Silorane showed the highest significant color changes (p < 0.05). Conclusions Modeling resin did not affect the microhardness, surface roughness, and color of Aelite LS Posterior (Bisco), Filtek Ultimate (3M ESPE), and Clearfil Majesty Esthetic (Kuraray Medical Inc, Tokyo, Japan) specimens. Also, thermocycling process only affected microhardness of tested resin composites. Clinical Significance The effect of modeling resin on surface microhardness, roughness, and color stability of composite materials depends on the type of resin composite. In clinical practice, the adverse effects of modeling resin might be alleviated by a proper finishing and polishing procedure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.