Influence of acidulated phosphate fluoride agents on surface characteristics of composite restorative materials

Purpose: To evaluate the surface changes of resin-based composites (RBC) when they were exposed to acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) agents. Materials and Methods: One microfilled (Silux Plus) and four hybrid (Clearfil AP-X, Lite-Fil IIA, Palfique Estelite, Progress) RBCs were separately treated with two APF agents (Fluorident Gel, Floden A). Changes in surface roughness were determined with a surface analyzer, and relief patterns were observed using a scanning electron microscope. Results: Although the surfaces of hybrid RBC materials containing macro-inorganic filler particles were generally found to be rougher than that of the microfilled composite regardless of APF treatment, macro-inorganic fillers in two of the hybrid composites demonstrated noticeable etched patterns generated by an APF solution.