Comparative Analysis of the Surface Roughness of Class V Composite Restorations Using a Conventional Polishing System and Pre-contoured Cervical Matrices: An In Vitro Study

Background: Rough surfaces of restorations have an impact on the accumulation of plaque, unaesthetic contour, and marginal adaptation, thereby affecting their functional, aesthetic, and clinical performance and the long-term stability of the restoration. Several polishing systems are currently in use for composite restorations, but information on their impact on surface roughness is limited. The present study aimed to determine the surface roughness of class V composite restorations polished using pre-contoured cervical matrices and to compare it with a conventional disc polishing system. Materials and methods: Twenty maxillary anterior teeth were collected and used in the study. Class V cavity preparation was done, and the cavities were restored with two types of composites (microhybrid and nanohybrid) from commercially available brands (Ivoclar and Dentsply) and finished and polished using two polishing systems (super-snap and pre-contoured cervical matrices). The evaluation of surface roughness was done using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Results: The surface roughness parameters (Ra-arithmetic mean/average line roughness and Sa-average surface roughness) of the class V cavities restored using pre-contoured cervical matrices were significantly lower for both the tested resin composites. Conclusion: The surface roughness of Class V cavities restored using pre-contoured cervical matrix systems was significantly less for both microhybrid and nanohybrid composites.