Name materials to be avoided when one is polishing esthetical restorations

Name materials to be avoided when one is polishing esthetical restorations?

The correct answer and explanation is :

Materials to Avoid When Polishing Esthetic Restorations

When polishing esthetic dental restorations, abrasive materials that are too coarse or chemically reactive should be avoided to prevent surface damage, roughness, or discoloration. The following materials should be avoided:

1. Coarse Diamond Burs – These can create deep scratches and rough surfaces, leading to plaque accumulation and reduced esthetics.
2. Pumice – While commonly used for cleaning, pumice is too abrasive for polishing esthetic restorations and may create a dull, rough surface.
3. Aluminum Oxide (Coarse Grit) – This material is highly abrasive and can remove significant material from the restoration, affecting its shape and smoothness.
4. Carbide Burs with Aggressive Flutes – These can create micro-cracks in ceramic or composite restorations.
5. Prophy Pastes with High Abrasiveness – Certain prophylaxis pastes contain large abrasive particles that can damage composite and ceramic restorations.
6. Hydrofluoric Acid Gel – This is used for etching ceramics but should be avoided during polishing as it can weaken the surface integrity of ceramics.
7. Steel or Carbon Steel Burs – These are too aggressive and can cause chipping, especially on ceramic restorations.

Explanation

Polishing esthetic restorations involves smoothing and refining the surface to achieve a glossy, plaque-resistant finish while preserving the restoration’s integrity. Overly abrasive materials can introduce micro-scratches, compromising esthetics and increasing plaque retention. This can lead to staining, bacterial colonization, and premature wear of the restoration.

For optimal polishing, use fine-grit diamond burs, silicone polishers, felt wheels with diamond paste, and low-abrasion polishing pastes designed for specific restorative materials. The goal is to achieve high gloss, reduced surface roughness, and long-lasting durability of the restoration without compromising its structure.