How to polish a composite restoration in posterior area

Dr Aleksandra Łyżwińska

Fri. 21. June 2024

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Every dentist aims to polish to a high gloss without damaging the freshly modelled occlusal surface. To achieve this, it is essential to use high-quality polishing rubbers, and I use the plural form intentionally (Fig. 1). In my opinion, single-rubber systems are not capable of achieving an impeccable gloss in a safe manner. It is also important to have patience and be gentle, as polishing requires time and a delicate touch.

Immediately after polymerisation, the composite is covered with an oxygen inhibition layer (Fig. 2). It is imperative to remove this with a polishing paste and a brush or an air polisher. The next step is to remove excess composite using abrasive discs, burs and firm polishing rubber points. During polishing without water cooling, fragments of the rubber remain on the composite surface (Fig. 3), and these can be spread over the restoration surface using a fine nylon brush, polishing each fissure and pit (Fig. 4).

The key to long-lasting shine is polishing with gradation, so once the excess composite has been removed, polishing should start with the dark-blue TWIST DIA for Composite rubber spiral (Kuraray Noritake Dental), which is more abrasive than the light-blue one (Fig. 5). Apply gentle pressure and maintain a maximum speed of 8,000 rpm. By doing so, you will achieve a fine particle size without the risk of overheating the pulp. The particles are once again spread over the entire restoration surface, and the finer the particle, the better the polishing effect in the grooves (Fig. 6).

Finally, the light-blue TWIST DIA for Composite rubber spiral is used to achieve a mirror-like gloss (Fig. 7). An aesthetic gloss emerges from beneath the particles, and this can be achieved using thin nylon brushes or brushes made from natural goat hair (Fig. 8).

Polishing is not only a matter of aesthetics; it also has an impact on oral health, especially given that bacterial biofilm adheres more easily to a rough surface than it does to a polished one (Fig. 9). My protocol for achieving a mirror-like gloss polish involves the use of high-quality diamond rubber spirals with gradation, used with sensitivity over an extended period (Fig. 10).

Fig. 1: Achieving a high gloss without damaging the freshly modelled occlusal surface requires the use of high-quality polishing rubbers. (All images: Aleksandra Łyżwińska/Kuraray Noritake)

Fig. 2: Immediately after polymerisation, the composite is covered with an oxygen inhibition layer.

Fig. 3: During polishing without water cooling, fragments of the rubber remain on the composite surface.

Fig. 4: Rubber fragments on the composite can be spread over the restoration surface using a fine nylon brush, polishing each fissure and pit.

Fig. 5: Once the excess composite has been removed, polishing should start with the dark-blue TWIST DIA for Composite rubber spiral (Kuraray Noritake Dental).

Fig. 6: The particles are once again spread over the entire restoration surface, and the finer the particle, the better the polishing effect in the grooves.

Fig. 7: The light-blue TWIST DIA for Composite rubber spiral is used to achieve a mirror-like gloss.

Fig. 8: An aesthetic gloss emerges from beneath the particles, and this can be achieved using thin nylon brushes or brushes made from natural goat hair.

Fig. 9: Polishing is not only a matter of aesthetics; it also has an impact on oral health.

Fig. 10: Dr Aleksandra Łyżwińska’s protocol for achieving a mirror-like gloss polish involves the use of high-quality diamond rubber spirals with gradation, used with sensitivity over an extended period.

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Aesthetic dentistry Dental composites Polisher

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