THE FINISHING AND POLISHING PROCESS
After re-creating the micro-texture, the surface of the composite resin should be slightly smoothed. This softening can be done with low abrasive rubbers or with new spiral materials such as 3M™ Sof-Lex™ Spirals and Discs. To finish the finishing and polishing process and give to the composite resin a natural appearance of enamel gloss, it is recommended to use a low-grade (less than 0.5 micron) diamond pastes or aluminum oxide pastes. These pastes should be applied with a felt disc or a soft-brushed brush, to not scratch the surface of the composite resin. Circular movements should be made with low pressure and use low rotation (maximum of 5000 rpm).
USE THE WATER?
The finishing and polishing procedure can be performed with water or without water. The advantage of not using water is to have a better visibility of the details. I suggest: plenty of water should be used between each step to cool the tooth and clean all debris created by the instruments. For example: polishing the composite resin surface with a 3M™ Sof-Lex™ Spirals Diamond, in order to have the best shining surface we should use this disc under water.
EXAMPLE OF A POLISHING SEQUENCE:
CASES WHERE WE USE POLISHING DISCS:
In this case the maxillary left central incisor of this 29-year-old female patient showed a huge fracture after dental trauma. Finishing procedure was performed using 3M™ Sof-Lex™ Extra-Thin Contouring and Polishing Discs. Read more..
In this case, explain how Masking a single tooth with discoloration the two steps technique. Finishing procedure was performed using 3M™ Sof-Lex™ Extra-Thin Contouring and Polishing Discs. Read More..
In this case a 43 years old female came to our attention in order to improve her smile. Spiral Wheel of 3M™ Sof-Lex™ Diamond Polishing System was used to finish and polish the restoration. Read More..
Clinical case: Polishing the composite resin surface with a 3M™ Sof-Lex™ Spiral Diamond. In order to have the best shining surface we should use this disc under water. Read More..
The patient, 47 years old presents incongruous old restorations of the upper incisors, thus two direct composite veneers on 1.1 and 2.1 were decided to be performed. The pink Spiral Wheel was used for a good and appreciable smooth and glossy surface. Read More..
Here you are some clinical cases solved by dr. Walter Devoto. As you can see the restoration is long-lasting and the composite still shining even after 8 years. How Can you do that? Follow this TIPS:
BEFORE
POST-OP
8 YEARS LATER
BEFORE
POST-OP
8 YEARS LATER
TIPS 1:
Choose a good quality composite, like 3M composites, with nano technology.
BEFORE
POST-OP
8 YEARS LATER
TIPS 2:
After sometimes the restoration could be not good as it was at the beginning, but it needs only a fast polish to shine again.
”Remember: Choosing a good quality composite and a properly polishing and finishing is half of a long-lasting restoration.
Dr. Walter DevotoStyle Italiano Founder
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