The effect of three polishing systems on the surface roughness of four hybrid composites: a profilometric and scanning electron microscopy study.

A highly polished composite restoration is necessary to help promote a plaque-free environment. In this study the polishability of four hybrid composites (Pertac, APH, Herculite, and Z100) was compared after finishing and polishing with the Caulk Enhance polishing kit, Kerr composite finishing kit, and the ESPE MFS/MPS polishing kit. Profilometric evaluation revealed that the MFS/MPS polishing system gave a superior polish for Z100, Herculite, and Pertac; the Enhance polishing system demonstrated the poorest polish with all four composites tested. There were no significant differences among the four composites when polished with each of the three polishing systems.