Polishing porcelain veneers: an SEM and specular reflectance analysis

V. B. Haywood, H. O. Heymann, R. P. Kusy, J. Q. Whitley, S. B. Andreaus

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Techniques for placement of etched porcelain laminate veneers require that the glazed porcelain veneer be cemented prior to finishing and polishing. Finishing the veneer margins corrects the inherent marginal defects but results in removal of the glaze from the porcelain. This invites a poor tissue response unless the porcelain can be polished to a smooth surface. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and specular reflectance, the surface texture of autoglazed porcelain was compared with that of polished porcelain. Emphasis was placed on those instruments which are suitable for gingival and interproximal finishing. Finishing with a fine diamond instrument followed only by diamond polishing paste produced an unacceptable surface. A finish equal or superior in smoothness to glazed porcelain was achieved through the use of a series of finishing grit diamonds (Micron Finishing System) followed by a 30-fluted carbide bur and diamond polishing paste. Other finishing combinations produced surface textures which were not as smooth as glazed porcelain, but which were better than that attained by the diamond polishing paste alone.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)116-121
Number of pages6
JournalDental Materials
Volume4
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1988
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • dental materials
  • dental polishing
  • dental porcelain
  • dental restorations

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • General Dentistry
  • Mechanics of Materials

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