The aim of this study was to compare the surface roughness of different composite resins using atomic force microscope (AFM) and a profilometer after storage in different solutions.

Eight different composite resins were used in this study. Twenty specimens of each composite resin material were prepared using a 2‐mm thick and 8‐mm diameter stainless steel mold. After the composites had been placed in the mold, they were polymerized with a LED curing unit. The surfaces of all specimens were polished using aluminum oxide discs, and the specimens were then divided into four groups. The specimens in the experimental groups were stored in cola, coffee, or red wine, while the control group was stored in distilled water. Specimen surface roughness was examined after 30 days using an AFM and a profilometer, and the data obtained were subjected to analysis.

Evaluation of the surface roughness of composite resins using a profilometer revealed no statistically significant difference between the groups, but significant differences were found using the AFM. The mean surface roughness of nanohybrid composites was lower than that of microhybrid composites.

The surface roughness of the composite resins varies with storage in different solutions, depending on the organic matrix structure and inorganic fillers of the resin.