Effect of Preheating and Glycerin Barrier on Surface Characteristics of Composite Resins
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/m20fwq39Keywords:
Resin composite; Preheating; Glycerin barrier; Oxygen-inhibited layer; Surface roughness; Polishing.Abstract
This study aimed to assess the influence of preheating, glycerin barrier application, and polishing protocols on the surface roughness of microhybrid and submicron-filled composite resins. Eighty extracted human third molars were prepared with standardized Class I cavities and restored using Enamel Plus HRi (microhybrid) or Estelite Sigma Quick (submicron-filled). Specimens were divided into preheated (55 °C) and non-preheated groups, and further allocated to four subgroups: (1) polishing only, (2) polishing + glycerin, (3) glycerin only, and (4) control. All restorations were light-cured with an LED unit. Surface morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Ra values were determined. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (p<0.05). SEM showed that glycerin-shielded specimens were cleaner, with reduced OIL-related debris. Preheating consistently yielded smoother, less porous surfaces across protocols. Polishing significantly reduced Ra in all groups, with the lowest values for “polishing + glycerin” (0.83±0.01 µm in preheated Enamel Plus HRi; 1.09±0.02 µm in non-preheated Estelite Sigma Quick). Glycerin without polishing improved polymerization but did not significantly reduce Ra. Controls exhibited the highest roughness (up to 5.20±0.61 µm). Overall, the combination of preheating, glycerin barrier application, and polishing produced the smoothest composite surfaces. Glycerin improved surface chemistry by reducing OIL, while polishing was essential for levelling filler protrusions and irregularities.
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