Interoperator variability during polishing.

Objective: The object of this study was to establish the 3 variables used in polishing by measuring the range of loads, speeds, and times used by practitioners when finishing and polishing samples of amalgam, resin composite, and glass-ionomer cement. These parameters could then be used to establish clinically relevant values that might optimize clinical finishing techniques.

Methods And Materials: Samples of the 3 materials were attached to the load cell of a universal testing machine that was attached to an X-Y plotter.