Cleaning methods effects on the physical properties of denture resin: an in vivo study

Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of staining by various beverages, treatment with four cleaning methods, and determine the optimal cleaning approach on the physical properties of denture base resin. Methods: A total of 200 square specimens (20 × 20 × 2 mm) of Lucitone Fas-Por + Self-curing dental base resin were fabricated following the manufacturer’s guidelines. After meticulous polishing, the specimens were divided into four groups (n = 50/group) and immersed in beverages (coffee, tea, red wine, and distilled water as control) for 14 hours. Subsequently, stained specimens were further categorized into five subgroups (n = 10/group). The treatment cycle was repeated 48 times to simulate 12 months of denture usage. Measurements of surface roughness, surface hardness, weight, thickness, and color were recorded at the baseline, 12th, 24th, 36th, and 48th cycles. The data were subjected to analysis using SPSS with the Repeated Measures General Linear Model. Results: Significant differences in tested outcomes were observed among the groups. Changes in color, weight, thickness, and roughness were significant within groups over cycles. Notably, roughness and color exhibited significant alterations after the 48th cycle. Brushing following cleanser application proved significantly more efficient in stain removal compared to other methods. However, the subgroup employing ultrasonication after cleanser application demonstrated notably lower changes in surface roughness, weight, and thickness, coupled with higher surface hardness in coffee and tea-treated groups. Solely cleaning dentures with ultrasound showed significantly lower changes and higher surface hardness in red wine-treated groups. Conclusions: This study recommends optimal denture base cleaning methods based on different stains. For coffee and tea stains, the application of ultrasonication after cleanser exhibits minimal impact on physical properties, offering superior efficiency in stain removal. Conversely, for red wine stains, cleaning dentures with ultrasound alone demonstrates fewer alterations in physical properties and more efficient stain removal effects.