Surface roughness of glass ionomer cements indicated for atraumatic restorative treatment (ART)

Effect of Low pH Dietary Supplements on Discoloration of Resin Composites

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the consumption of low pH dietary supplements on the color stability of different resin composites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three different restorative materials were used for this in vitro study: Filtek One Bulk-Fill (FOB), Filtek Z550 (Z550), and Fill-Up (FUP). Samples fabricated from each composite group were divided into four subgroups, and color measurements were performed at baseline. The control subgroup was stored in distilled water, and the other three subgroups were immersed in acidic dietary supplement solutions (Redoxon, Supradyn, and Voonka Collagen Shake) for 2 minutes daily for 28 days. Color measurements were obtained using a digital spectrophotometer. Color change values (ΔE1) were calculated after each color measurement. Next, all samples were immersed in a coffee solution for 7 days and repeat color measurements were taken to determine ΔE2 values. The study groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test (α =0.05).

RESULTS

ΔE1 values were significantly different among the groups (P < 0.05). While Voonka Collagen Shake produced the greatest discoloration in FOB (1.67 ± 1.08) and Filtek Z550 (3.59 ± 1.90) materials, Fill-Up showed the highest discoloration (3.14 ± 0.37) with Supradyn. Analysis of ΔE2 values demonstrated a significant difference only for the Filtek Z550-Redoxon group versus the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Acidic dietary supplements not only produce color alterations in resin composites but also reduce the staining resistance of the composite further, depending on the type of composite and dietary supplement. Consumption of staining food after taking Redoxon effervescent tablets produces greater discoloration in Filtek Z550 restorations compared with other restorative materials.

The influence of hydrothermal fatigue on the clinically relevant functional properties of conventional glass-ionomer cements

During their everyday service, the restorative dental materials are subjected to temperature changes which can be viewed as intensive in the context of the highest allowed temperatures for these materials. In this work, the effect of hydrothermal fatigue on the in vitro tribological performance, compression strength, microhardness, and surface roughness of glass-ionomer cements was studied. Samples of 3 commercially available cements were divided into the reference (aged 14 days) and thermocycled (20,000 cycles; 5-55 °C) groups. The results obtained show that functional properties of the specimens subjected to thermal fatigue significantly differ from the literature data on the cements aged at constant temperatures. The effect of hydrothermal fatigue on the functional properties of cements is discussed in the context of processes induced by exposure to variable temperatures.

Potential Use of Brazilian Green Propolis Extracts as New Photosensitizers for Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy against Cariogenic Microorganisms

The synergic effect of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans increases dental caries severity. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a non-invasive treatment for antimicrobial aspects. However, the current photosensitizers (PS) have many downsides for dental applications. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of two different Brazilian green propolis (BGP-AF and BGP-AG) as PS for aPDT against these microorganisms. A single-species biofilm was irradiated with crude extracts and their fractions and controls. Such extracts showed the best results and were evaluated in dual-species biofilms. Photodegradation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytotoxicity, and color stability assays were also investigated. Reductions higher than 3 log₁₀ CFU/mL (p < 0.0001) occurred for crude BGP in single- and dual-species biofilms. Singlet oxygen was produced in BGP (p < 0.0001). BGP-mediated aPDT delayed S. mutans and C. albicans regrowth after 24 h of treatment (p < 0.0001). Both BGP did not change the color of dental materials (p > 0.05). BGP-AF-mediated aPDT showed 72.41% of oral keratinocyte viability (p < 0.0001). BGP extracts may be used in aPDT against S. mutans and C. albicans. Specifically, BGP-AF may represent a promising PS for dental applications.

Effects of Nanohydroxyapatite Incorporation into Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)

Glass ionomer cement (GIC) or polyalkenoate cement is a water-based cement that is commonly used in clinical dentistry procedures as a restorative material. It exhibits great properties such as fluoride-ion release, good biocompatibility, ease of use and great osteoconductive properties. However, GIC’s low mechanical properties have become a major drawback, limiting the cement’s usage, especially in high stress-bearing areas. Nanohydroxyapatite, which is a biologically active phosphate ceramic, is added as a specific filler into glass ionomer cement to improve its properties. In this review, it is shown that incorporating hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHA) into GIC has been proven to exhibit better physical properties, such as increasing the compressive strength and fracture toughness. It has also been shown that the addition of nanohydroxyapatite into GIC reduces cytotoxicity and microleakage, whilst heightening its fluoride ion release and antibacterial properties. This review aims to provide a brief overview of the recent studies elucidating their recommendations which are linked to the benefits of incorporating hydroxyapatite nanoparticles into glass ionomer cement.

The Comparison of Biofilm Formation, Mechanical and Chemical Properties between Glass Ionomer Cement and Giomer

Aims:

The aim of this study was to compare compressive strength and its correlation with the surface morphology and chemical elements of GIC and Giomer, as well as to determine the fluoride amount effect on the bacterial biofilm formation of GIC and Giomer.

Background:

The liability of Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) mechanical properties is overcome with better antibacterial properties among restorative materials. Another fluoride-releasing restorative material, such as Giomer, has been discovered and is expected to overcome the issues with GIC’s mechanical properties; however, no research has been conducted related to antibacterial properties in Giomer.

Objective:

To compare compressive strength and its correlation with the surface morphology and chemical elements, then determine the fluoride amount effect on the bacterial biofilm formation of GIC and Giomer.

Methods:

Sixteen specimens of GIC and Giomer were prepared for a compressive strength measurement with the Universal Testing Machine. Sixteen specimens of GIC and Giomer were incubated for three days with the Streptococcus mutans culture at 37°C. The bacterial colonization was calculated using the Colony Forming Unit (CFU) and bacterial adhesion was calculated using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The mechanical properties’ compressive strength measurement, surface morphology, and chemical elements analyses were performed using SEM-EDX.

Results:

The compressive strength of Giomer was higher than GIC (P=0.001). The higher compressive strength of Giomer was reflected by a predominant regular surface, fewer voids, smaller and denser particles, and a higher content of silica and carbon. The bacterial biofilm on the surface of Giomer was higher than GIC, although there was no significant difference. GIC and Giomer have identical chemical elements: C, O, F, Na, Al, Si, P, and Ca.

Conclusion:

The compressive strength of Giomer is better than GIC; however, the biofilm formation of Giomer is higher than GIC, whereas GIC has a higher fluoride content but inferior in surfaces morphology characteristic

The effects of chitosan addition to glass ionomer cement on microhardness and surface roughness

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the surface microhardness and roughness properties of a modified glass ionomer cement formed by adding different ratios of Chitosan, when exposed to saliva and acid erosive gastric acid cycle environments.

METHODS

Chitosan was added to conventional glass ionomer liquid at volumes of 5% and 10%. The chitosan-modified glass ionomer was used for the experimental group, and traditional glass ionomer formed the control group. All the groups were separated into two subgroups. One of these subgroups was subjected to a gastric acid erosive cycle. The other subgroup was immersed in artificial saliva. Microhardness, surface roughness with optical profilometer and AFM measurements of all the samples were taken. Qualitative surface topographic evaluations were made using a SEM. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U-test for pairwise comparisons of the groups at the 0.05 level of significance.

RESULTS

The addition of chitosan to GIC had a positive effect on the microhardness values. The gastric acid erosive cycle application negatively affected the microhardness and surface roughness properties of the sample groups.

CONCLUSION

The chitosan-modified glass ionomer cement samples showed clinically acceptable surface roughness values. Although the results of the addition of the biopolymer, chitosan, to GIC are promising, there is a need for further in-vivo studies.

Effect of Nano-Filled Protective Coating and Different pH Enviroment on Wear Resistance of New Glass Hybrid Restorative Material

The purpose of the study was to determine the wear rate of Equia Forte HT Fil with Equia Forte Coat or without coating and compare it with Fuji IX GP high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) in conditions with acid load or at neutral pH. The samples were stored for 7 days: (1) in artificial saliva, (2) in artificial saliva and cyclically exposed to low pH, and (3) in distilled water and cyclically exposed to low pH. Wear was determined by measuring the difference in mass before and after brushing in an abrasion testing device. The wear of Fuji IX GP was significantly higher than that of Equia Forte HT Fil with or without coating (p = 0.000). The difference between Equia Forte HT Fil with and without Coat was not statistically significant (p < 0.803). The differences in wear resistance between samples stored in saliva and in distilled water were not significant (p = 0.588). Periodic exposure to the low pH solution significantly affected the wear resistance of all materials (p = 0.000). Equia Forte HT Fil was more resistant to wear than Fuji IX GP in all storage conditions. A resinous coat did not significantly increase wear resistance.

Shear bond strength of glass ionomer and resin-based cements to different types of zirconia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the shear bond strength (SBS) of a glass ionomer (GI) cement, an 10-methacryloyloxy-decyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-based adhesive resin cement (MDP-based AC), an MDP-based self-adhesive resin cement (MDP-based SAC), an MDP-free self-adhesive resin cement (MDP-free SAC), and a resin-modified GI (RMGI) cement to a 3 mol% yttria-stabilized (3Y-TZP) and a 5 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (5Y-PSZ).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty blocks were produced using 3Y-TZP and 5Y-PSZ, assigned to subgroups based on the five cements investigated (n = 10) and luted to cylindrical specimens of the same substrate. Each specimen was loaded in a SBS apparatus to failure. Mean SBS (MPa) values and standard deviations were calculated. Data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (α = .05). Failed specimens were subjected to fractographic analysis.

RESULTS

MDP-based AC and MDP-based SAC cements displayed the highest SBS values with both the substrates; GI cement showed the lowest. RMGI and MDP-free SAC cements performed better with 3Y-TZP than with 5Y-PSZ. Fractographic analysis revealed only adhesive and mixed failures.

CONCLUSIONS

MDP-based AC and MDP-based SAC cements are suitable for both 3Y-TZP and 5Y-PSZ. MDP-free SAC and RMGI cements are adequate choices for 3Y-TZP, but seem less effective with 5Y-PSZ.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

MDP-based SACs appear to be as reliable as MDP-based ACs for both 3Y-TZP and 5Y-PSZ cementation. Specifically, for 5Y-PSZ cementation, resin-based MDP-free SACs do not seem to guarantee predictable results in terms of SBS.

Effect of pediatric multivitamin syrups and effervescent tablets on the surface microhardness and roughness of restorative materials: An in vitro study

Background/purpose

Multivitamin syrups and effervescent tablets are commonly used for dietary support in children; however, these preparations may have detrimental effects on the surface of restorative materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two multivitamin syrups and two effervescent tablets taken daily on the surface microhardness and roughness of two different restorative materials.

Materials and methods

The study groups were comprised of a conventional glass ionomer cement, Ketac Molar, and a giomer, Beautifil II. A total of 140 disc-shaped specimens were prepared and randomly assigned to 5 subgroups. The samples were immersed in 4 multivitamins (Supradyne syrup, Supradyne effervescent, Sambucol syrup, Sambucol effervescent) and deionized water (control group) for 2 min once a day for 28 days. Surface microhardness and roughness measurements were recorded at baseline and on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days. Surface microhardness was measured using a Vickers hardness tester and surface roughness was determined using a profilometer.

Results

For all subgroups; the surface microhardness values of the Ketac Molar and Beautifil II demonstrated a statistically significant decrease from the baseline to the 28th day measurements (p < 0.05), while the surface roughness displayed increased values that were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The Ketac Molar surface roughness values were significantly higher than Beautifil II in all subgroups for all measurement days (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

The prolonged use of multivitamin syrups and effervescent tablets may have negative effects on the physical properties of restorative materials.

Does low-cost GIC have the same survival rate as high-viscosity GIC in atraumatic restorative treatments? A RCT

Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) is one of the strategies used to control dental caries; it involves hand instruments for removal of carious tissue, and restorations using high-viscosity Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC). The present controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the performance of low-cost GIC indicated for ART in primary teeth, compared with high-viscosity GIC, after one year of follow-up. Two-to six-year-old children with dentin caries lesions on one or two surfaces of anterior and posterior teeth were selected. The children were randomly assigned to 2 groups according to the restorative material used: G1 (control) - Ketac Molar®; G2 (experimental) - Vitro Molar®. Treatments were performed in a school setting, following the guidelines of the ART. A total of 728 restorations were performed in 243 children. Descriptive analysis and Poisson regression were applied, with a significance level of p < 0.05. After 12 months, 559 (76.8%) restorations were re-evaluated. The success rate was evaluated by the prevalence ratio (PR), associated with restorations performed in primary second molars (PR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.03-1.42), and with small (PR = 1.35; 95%CI = 1.14-1.60) or medium cavities (PR = 1.29; 95%CI = 1.08-1.55), using Ketac Molar® material (PR= 1.07; 95%CI = 1.01-1.15), considering p < 0.05. Small or medium restorations in primary second molars performed with high-viscosity GIC (Ketac Molar®) were more successful than restorations performed with low-cost GIC indicated for ART.

Effect of mouthwashes on the integrity of composite resin and resin modified glass ionomer: In vitro study

Background

The constant search for an improved esthetic dental material has led investigators to realize that its performance depends on the conditions where the material is used. It has been probed that the contact with mouth rinses triggers alterations, reason why the aim of this study was to identify their possible effects of it on the integrity of nanohybrid composite resin and resin modified glass ionomer.

Material and Methods

A total of 144 samples were manufactured with two nanohybrid composite resins and two resin modified glass ionomer restorative materials. The specimens were immersed in one of the three mouthwashes used in the study, for a total of 1092 minutes, with intervals of contact with artificial saliva. This strategy simulates three years of constant use of mouthwashes. The samples weight and surface roughness measurement was recorded with a precision scale and profilometer, at different stages: At the beginning of the study, after 546 minutes (simulating one and a half year), and after 1092 minutes (simulating three years).

Results

The collected data on surface roughness and weight were submitted to the analysis of variance (ANOVA), with repeated measures of three factors. The results determined shifts in values in terms of weight and roughness in all the samples. The composite resin “Grandio” group was the one that showed bigger shifts, while the glass ionomer group “Vitremer” showed stability on its structure. The evaluated mouthwashes displayed similar behavior between each other.

Conclusions

The use of mouthwashes triggered changes on the structure of both dental materials: composite resin and resin modified glass ionomer mostly associated with surface roughness.

Key words:Glass ionomer, composite resin, mouthwash, roughness, degradation.

Surface Roughness of Glass Ionomer Cements after Application of Different Polishing Techniques

Glass Ionomer Cements (GIC) have been widely used in clinical practice since they have a wide range of positive characteristics: chemical bonding to the tooth surface, fluoride release, a heat-expansion coefficient similar to the tooth, do not require an absolutely dry working area, less volumetric contraction, good color stability. Physical properties can be improved by using external energy such as ultrasound and radiant heat (thermo-curing), which also accelerates chemical curing. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the most effective polishing technique and to compare the surface roughness of two Glass Ionomer Cements after treatment with heat (thermo-curing), and without heat treatment during the setting process. Materials and methods: Two polishing systems (Tungsten carbide burs and Sof-Lex discs) were used on two types of GIC (Equia Fil and Ketac Molar Universal). Bluephase 16i LED (Vivadent, Schaan Liechtenstein) light was used for the specimens treated with heat (thermo-curing). Samples without heat treatment are left for 10 minutes to chemically cure. Surface profilometar was used for measuring the mean surface roughness value (Ra). Results: Group with Mylar strip (control group) of each material showed the lowest (Ra) value. The Equia Fil material samples treated with heat (thermo-curing) achieved lower surface roughness values (Ra), and showed lower surface roughness values (Ra) after polishing with a Sof-Lex discs (p<0.05). The results for Ketac Molar Universal samples showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between polishing with Sof-Lex discs and Tungsten carbide burs. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the smoothest surface roughness is achieved by the Mylar strip. Some types of Glass Ionomer Cements can obtain better surface polishing with heat treatment (thermo-curing).

Effects of water aging on the mechanical and anti-biofilm properties of glass-ionomer cement containing dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of water aging for up to 6months on the mechanical and anti-biofilm properties of a novel antibacterial glass ionomer cement (GIC) containing dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM).

METHODS

GIC specimens (n=180) which contained DMADDM (0wt.%, 1.1wt.% or 2.2wt.%) were prepared. The mechanical properties surface roughness, microhardness and the surface charge density of ammonium groups were measured before and after water aging for 3 and 6months at 37°C. Further six months aged specimens (n=216) were worn by 6 volunteers in their oral cavities for 24h and 72h. Biofilm formation was analyzed and rated by fluorescence microscopy (FM) and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biofilm viability was analyzed by FM.

RESULTS

Water aging did not show any adverse effects on the surface roughness and hardness of the material. The surface charge density of the GIC samples containing DMADDM decreased due to the aging procedure, however, was still higher than that of the GIC without DMADDM. In situ biofilm formation was significantly reduced after 24h on DMADDM containing GIC (p<0.05). FM results showed a higher ratio of red/green fluorescence on GIC-DMADDM samples.

SIGNIFICANCE

Incorporating DMADDM into GIC affected the material properties in a tolerable manner even after 6months of storage in water. The new GIC is a promising material to affect the biofilm formation on the surface of restorations.

Avaliação da rugosidade superficial e análise morfológica de cimentos de ionômero de vidro: influência do armazenamento em saliva artificial

Resumo Introdução O desenvolvimento dos cimentos de ionômero de vidro (CIVs) proporcionou vantagens aos procedimentos restauradores diretos devido a suas propriedades, como adesão química à estrutura dentária e liberação de flúor. No entanto, o ambiente bucal pode promover condições capazes de alterar a superfície deste material. Objetivo Avaliar a rugosidade superficial e a morfologia de superfície de quatro cimentos de ionômero de vidro (Ketac Molar Easy Mix, Vitremer, Vitro Molar e Maxxion), quando imersos em diferentes soluções de saliva artificial. Material e método Dez amostras de cada material foram confeccionadas e a rugosidade superficial foi avaliada antes e após imersão em saliva artificial ácida e neutra, durante 28 dias, por meio de um rugosímetro (Surftest SJ - 40), e a análise morfológica deu-se através de microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os valores médios de rugosidade foram submetidos aos testes de Kruskal-Wallis e de Wilcoxon, além do teste de Mann Whitney, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultado Os valores de rugosidade foram maiores estatisticamente após a imersão em saliva ácida e neutra para todos os materiais, exceto o Vitromolar, que não apresentou diferença estatística entre as médias de rugosidade antes e após imersão em saliva neutra. O Maxxion R apresentou estatisticamente maiores valores de rugosidade quando comparado aos outros materiais após imersão em saliva neutra e ácida. Conclusão A rugosidade superficial dos cimentos de ionômero de vidro aumentou após imersão em saliva neutra e ácida para a maioria dos cimentos estudados. A solução de armazenagem ácida promoveu aumento da rugosidade superficial para o Maxxion R e o Vitro Molar.

Incorporation of CPP-ACP into Luting and Lining GIC: Influence on Wear Rate (in the Presence of Artificial Saliva) and Compressive Strength

The improvement of mechanical and antibacterial properties of glass ionomer cements (GICs) is an important goal in dental research. In this way, modification of GIC with caries preventive and remineralizing materials such as casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) is a new strategy to enhance its anticariogenic properties and the remineralization of teeth. However, one main concern is that adding CPP-ACP may have negative effects on the mechanical properties of GIC. This study investigated the influence of adding CPP-ACP on the wear rate (in the presence of artificial saliva) and compressive strength of luting and lining glass ionomer cement. CPP-ACP was incorporated into a luting and lining glass ionomer cement at different percentages (1, 1.56, and 2%). Wear rate and compressive strength were measured for each group using Pin-on-Disk tribometer device (in artificial saliva condition) and universal testing machine, respectively. The wear test was carried out in the presence of artificial saliva for better simulation of the oral environment. Our results demonstrated that increasing the percentage of CPP-ACP from 0 up to 1.56% (w/w), caused a decrease of 19% in the wear rate. However, at 2% (w/w) CPP-ACP, the wear rate increased. Compressive strength was improved by 31% when the CPP-ACP concentration was increased to 1.56% (w/w), but decreased when the concentration was raised to 2% (w/w). In conclusion, adding 1.56% CPP-ACP into luting and lining glass ionomer cement appears to provide an acceptable combination of two important mechanical properties, compressive strength and wear rate.

In vitro evaluation of the effect of two finishing and polishing systems on four esthetic restorative materials

Aim:

To determine the surface roughness of esthetic restorative materials after finishing and polishing.

Materials and Methods:

All 60 specimens were divided into four groups. Group I: Nanocomposite, Z 350 XT (3M ESPE, USA); Group II: Microhybrid composite, Z 250 (3M ESPE, USA); Group III: Compomer, Dyract XP (LD Caulk/Dentsply, USA); and Group IV: Resin modified glass ionomer cement (GIC), Fuji II LC (GC, Japan). Each group was again divided into three subgroups. Subgroup A: Sof-Lex (3M ESPE); Subgroup B: Super-Snap Rainbow finishing and polishing kit (Shofu INC, Japan); and Subgroup C: Control Mylar strip. Surface roughness was determined by Perthen Perthometer S6P profilometer.

Result:

Filtek Z350 XT showed minimum surface roughness followed by Filtek Z250, Dyract XT and Fuji II LC. Super-Snap exhibited less surface roughness than Sof-Lex polishing systems.

Statistical Analysis:

One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by multiple post hoc comparisons using least square difference method and unpaired t-test was used.

Conclusion:

Filtek Z350 XT with Mylar strip exhibited least surface roughness.

Synthesis and biocompatibility of an experimental glass ionomer cement prepared by a non-hydrolytic sol-gel method

The aims of this study were to demonstrate the synthesis of an experimental glass ionomer cement (GIC) by the non-hydrolytic sol-gel method and to evaluate its biocompatibility in comparison to a conventional glass ionomer cement (Vidrion R). Four polyethylene tubes containing the tested cements were implanted in the dorsal region of 15 rats, as follows: GI - experimental GIC and GII - conventional GIC. The external tube walls was considered the control group (CG). The rats were sacrificed 7, 21 and 42 days after implant placement for histopathological analysis. A four-point (I-IV) scoring system was used to graduate the inflammatory reaction. Regarding the experimental GIC sintherization, thermogravimetric and x-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated vitreous material formation at 110oC by the sol-gel method. For biocompatibility test, results showed a moderate chronic inflammatory reaction for GI (III), severe for GII (IV) and mild for CG (II) at 7 days. After 21 days, GI presented a mild reaction (II); GII, moderate (III) and CG, mild (II). At 42 days, GI showed a mild/absent inflammatory reaction (II to I), similar to GII (II to I). CG presented absence of chronic inflammatory reaction (I). It was concluded that the experimental GIC presented mild/absent tissue reaction after 42 days, being biocompatible when tested in the connective tissue of rats.

Surface degradation of composite resins by acidic medicines and pH-cycling

This study evaluated the effects of acidic medicines (Dimetapp® and Claritin®), under pH-cycling conditions, on the surface degradation of four composite resins (microhybrid: TPH, Concept, Opallis and Nanofilled: Supreme). Thirty disc-shaped specimens (Ø = 5.0 mm / thickness = 2.0 mm) of each composite were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n = 10): a control and two experimental groups, according to the acidic medicines evaluated. The specimens were finished and polished with aluminum oxide discs, and the surface roughness was measured by using a profilometer. After the specimens were submitted to a pH-cycling regimen and immersion in acidic medicines for 12 days, the surface roughness was measured again. Two specimens for each material and group were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after pH-cycling. Data were analyzed by the Student's-t test, ANOVA, Duncan's multiple range test and paired t-test (α=0.05). Significant increase in roughness was found only for TPH in the control group and TPH and Supreme immersed in Claritin® (p<0.05). SEM analyses showed that the 4 composite resins underwent erosion and surface degradation after being subjected to the experimental conditions. In conclusion, although the roughness was slightly affected, the pH-cycling and acidic medicines caused surface degradation of the composite resins evaluated. Titratable acidity seemed to play a more crucial role on surface degradation of composite resins than pH.