Comparative analysis of the roughness and microhardness of two monochromatic resins: in vitro study and microstructural characterization
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v15i4.50836Keywords:
Composite resins, Microhardness, Surface roughness, Scanning electron microscopy, Cosmetic dentistry.Abstract
Monochromatic resins were developed as an improved alternative to composite resins due to their intelligent chromatic technology, which enhances aesthetics and simplifies clinical practice.. The objective was to perform a comparative laboratory analysis of the surface roughness and microhardness of two monochromatic composite resins, Vittra APS Unique (FGM, Brazil) and Palfique Omnichroma (Tokuyama Dental, Japan), associating the results with the microstructural characterization of the materials. Specimens were prepared according to international standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials and the International Organization for Standardization (ASTM E384, ASTM D7127, and ISO 25178-2). The specimens were subjected to Vickers microhardness tests and roughness analysis with a 3D laser interferometry roughness tester, complemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results demonstrated, in terms of surface roughness, Palfique Omnichroma presented numerically higher values, but with a more homogeneous surface topography and a more uniform surface when compared to Vittra APS Unique. In the microhardness test, Vittra APS Unique presented significantly higher average values (p <0.05), although with greater dispersion and structural heterogeneity observed in the micrographs. The analysis of the morphological microstructure of dental materials was used as an essential tool to associate with mechanical and optical property tests and explain their results. It was concluded that monochromatic resins represent a relevant innovation in restorative dentistry by combining advanced optical properties of mimicry with simplified color selection, reducing clinical time and aesthetic variables.
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