RESUMO
AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the superficial roughness of amalgam specimens made with Velvalloy and Permite alloys, with superficial protection (Nail polish or Varnish-Fluorniz) and without protection, immersed in artificial saliva or Coke. METHODS: All the 84 specimens (N = 7) were performed according to the manufacturer's recommendations for each alloy, condensed in acrylic moulds and immediately polished. The superficial protections were made before the immersion in the proposed solutions. After superficial treatment, the specimens were maintained at 37 degrees C during 21 days. All specimens were brushed with a tooth paste twice a day. The roughness analysis was carried out using a Prazis equipment (Ra) in four moments (T): after 48 hours (T1), 7 days (T2), 14 days (T3) and 21 days (T4). The data of each alloy were individually submitted to statistical analysis (ANOVA) and Tukey test (P < 0.01). RESULTS: Statistical analysis has demonstrated the existence of a significance difference for the studying factors, except for immersion. The mean values of superficial roughness, for evaluated groups, in relation to protection and time factor were, respectively: Po (1.16) = P1 (1.13) < P2 (2.96) and T1 (1.56) = T2 (1.66) = T3 (1.77) < T4 (2.01) for Velvalloy; and Po (1.14) = P1 (0.85) < P2 (2.61) and T1 (1.18) < T2 (1.48) = T3 (1.67) = T4 (1.79) for Permite. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the use of nail polish as superficial protection presented less roughness than varnish for the studied alloys; and Velvalloy roughness increased at 21 days while Permite increased at seven days and presented a tendency to stability.