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Purpose: This study investigated the surfaces produced on two commonly used heat-cured
acrylic resins by two chairside polishing systems compared to conventional lathe polishing.
It used energy dispersive analysis (EDA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to
investigate the abrasive materials bonded in the silicone points that are marketed for
chairside polishing of acrylic resin. Materials and Methods: Using the three polishing
systems (conventional as control, Shofu acrylic polishing system [AcryPoint], and Kenda
Queen silicone polisher), three operators polished specimens using a defined protocol.
Specimens were subjected to SEM and confocal microscopy. EDA was undertaken on the
silicone polishing points. Results: Conventional polishing produced the superior surface,
followed by the surfaces produced by the Shofu system and then Kenda Queen. However,
both chairside polishing systems produced smoother surfaces on acrylic resin than the
surfaces produced by either steel or tungsten carbide burs. Both the Shofu acrylic polishing
system and Kenda Queen silicone polisher contain beads of cerium, which is widely used
in industry for polishing of glass. Conclusion: Silicone polishing points marketed for
polishing of acrylic resin could be used to produce smooth surfaces that have been adjusted
with burs where there is no access to a laboratory lathe. Int J Prosthodont 2003;16:233–238.
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