Aim: To evaluate the effect of simulated gastric acid on the surface roughness of a glass hybrid (GH) restorative material, with and without a protective coat.
Materials and Methods: Two groups of GH restorative material, EQUIA Forte HT Fil, with and without the application of EQUIA coat, were tested for surface roughness after exposure to artificial gastric acid (HCl). A total of 28 specimens were prepared using a plastic mold (8 mm in diameter × 2 mm in thickness). Fourteen specimens of each material group were divided based on aging conditions, with n = 7 specimens in each subgroup. One subgroup served as the control (no HCl exposure), while the other was immersed in HCl for aging. In the HCl group, specimens were immersed in HCl for three hours, simulating one year of clinical service. Surface roughness measurements (Ra) were obtained using a contact profilometer.
Results: Data were collected and statistically analyzed where a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed between EQUIA without coat and EQUIA with coat in the HCl test conditions. The application of EQUIA Forte coat significantly improved the surface roughness of EQUIA under acidic conditions. EQUIA without coat showed significantly higher roughness values after HCl exposure compared to no HCL exposure (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Surface protection of EQUIA Forte HT Fil with a resin coat, such as EQUIA coat, is recommended for patients at high risk of acidic exposure to enhance the longevity and resistance to acidic degradation of restorations under endogenous erosion.