Contouring, finishing, and polishing is crucial phases in the effective creation of bonded restorations. Finishing and polishing restorations properly improve surface quality, improves patients’ dental health, and extend the life of the restorations.

The major goal of finishing and polishing composite restorations is to make them smooth, homogeneous, and easy to clean for the patient. This can extend the life of the restoration, reduce the risk of recurrent caries, and improve the health of the surrounding tissues. Patients will occasionally require their composite restorations polished and, less frequently, restored. Various dental polisher kits can help you get the perfect finishing and polishing. Below is the step-by-step guide to help you better understand the process.

Composite Restorations Evaluation

Composites, unlike amalgam restorations, can be completed and polished immediately after placement. Recurrent caries, plaque retention, periodontal disease, and restorative failure are all increased by improper placement, insufficient finishing, polishing, or normal wear and tear. The dental examination includes a review of composite restorations. Some restorations may require polishing and finishing. The restoration may need to be repaired or replaced in other cases.

Finishing and Polishing Considerations

Finishing and polishing composite restorations might be regarded as two separate operations or two parts of a single technique, similar to amalgam finishing and polishing. Contours are adjusted, and margins and imperfections are smoothed during the finishing process. The polishing process should result in a shiny, smooth finish.

There is a range of dental tools available including burs, finishing strips, finishing discs, points, cups, pastes, and brushes. Many companies even sell their polishing machines.

Controlling heat generation during finishing and polishing is essential. Although composite has a lower heat conductivity than amalgam, the danger of pulpal irritation or injury from higher temperatures must be considered. To reduce heat buildup and transmission, a slow-speed handpiece, water as a coolant, and intermittent strokes are recommended.

Finally, it’s important to avoid damaging nearby teeth or sensitive tissues. To prevent iatrogenic harm to surrounding tissues, isolate the tooth or teeth with cotton rolls, dry angles, or a rubber dam.

Procedure for Composite Finishing and Polishing

Evaluate Restoration

Because dental composites are tooth-colored and can be difficult to perceive, a light stream of air from an air-water syringe can be used to properly dry the reconstructed tooth. Visually evaluate the contours once the repair has been set to look for good anatomical shape, chips, voids, stains, or defects. Articulating paper can be used to assess occlusal interactions. Gently inspect all of the restoration’s margins with an explorer. An explorer can also be used to analyze proximal surfaces. Dental floss can be used to confirm proper contacts and gingival margins.

Explain why composite finishing and polishing are necessary, and walk the patient through the processes of the operation. Inform the patient of any feelings he or she might have during the procedure, particularly when using a low-speed handpiece to finish burs.

Choose instruments based on the restoration and the preferences of the clinician.