Which polishing abrasive should NOT be used prior to bonded restorations?

The choice of using a fluoride prophy paste is not recommended prior to bonded restorations because it contains fluoride and other agents that can inhibit the bonding process. When preparing a tooth for a bonded restoration, the surface needs to be free of contaminants to ensure a strong bond between the adhesive and the tooth structure. Fluoride prophy paste may leave residues that can interfere with the adhesive, reducing the efficacy of the bond and potentially leading to restoration failure.

In contrast, other polishing abrasives such as regular prophy paste, diamond paste, and aluminum oxide paste do not contain fluoride and are designed to clean and prepare the tooth surface without leaving harmful residues that could affect bonding. Regular prophy paste can effectively remove plaque and debris, while diamond and aluminum oxide pastes are commonly used for their fine polishing properties, which also help in creating a clean surface conducive for bonding.