SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF LITHIUM DISILICATE PRESS CERAMICS AFTER DIFFERENT TYPES OF POLISHING

INTRODUCTION: The smoothness of a ceramic’s surface is very important of its esthetic and prophylactic qualities. AIM: The purpose of this investigation is to study the possibilities of polishing lithium disilicate ceramics after making a correction on the glazed ceramic surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subject of the study were 20 test samples made of lithium disilicate press ceramics. They were divided into 4 groups according to the method of processing and polishing. Group 1 was treated with a red diamond bur and polishing set; Group 2 was treated with a green diamond bur and polishing set; Group 3 was treated with a red diamond bur, polishing set and diamond paste; Group 4 was treated with a diamond bur with green coding, polishing set and diamond paste. The samples were examined with an atomic force microscope to observe the change in surface relief. The reference point for comparison was the surface of the glazed ceramic. RESULTS: After polishing with diamond paste, the surface became smoother compared to the treatment of the surface with a polishing kit alone. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the polishing protocol used, there was a difference in the topography of the ceramic surface before and after treatment.