A new surface sealant for polishing composite resin restorations.

Achieving a smooth and lustrous surface in a timely fashion, using fewer steps, is a desirable feature for direct esthetic restorations. Eliminating the oxygen-inhibition layer and converting it to a glaze layer removes any need for further polishing. This is more applicable to small restorations where reshaping and recontouring can be achieved before light-curing. Mechanical methods for the conversion of the oxygen-inhibition layer to a glazed surface include the use of a clear matrix and an oxygen-barrier gel. A new method has been developed to totally eliminate the formation of the oxygen-inhibition layer by chemical means. This includes the use of a highly reactive, multifunctional, acrylate-based, light-cured surface sealant and glaze, BisCover. This surface sealant may be applied to the surface of restorations before light-curing or after a brief curing. Additionally, it may be applied to the surface of a polymerized and reshaped restoration to remove the need for polishing. Existing composite resin restorations--hybrid or microfilled--as well as provisional acrylic restorations appear well polished and lustrous when surface sealant is applied and cured. Studies have shown that the microhardness of microfilled composite resin is not adversely affected by the use of a surface sealant.