Effects of laboratory disinfecting agents on color stability of denture acrylic resins

This study determined the effects of chemical disinfecting agents on denture acrylic resins. Tested resins included the products CH Lucitone, Triad VLC, and Truliner. The disinfecting agents were sodium hypochlorite, Exspor, Cidex, and Wescodyne-D. Acrylic resin samples were placed in the various disinfecting agents and then evaluated for color changes at time intervals ranging from 15 minutes to 72 hours. No observable color change of any acrylic resin was seen before 2 hours. Both 1% sodium hypochlorite and 2% Cidex disinfectants produced the least discoloration of the acrylic resins, and Wescodyne-D disinfectant produced the most acrylic resin discoloration. Truliner resin discolored more than Triad VLC resin, and both underwent more color change than CH Lucitone resin. If manufacturers' recommended disinfecting times are followed, clinical and laboratory disinfection of acrylic resin dentures should cause no observable color change.