Effect of Cleaning Protocols on Surface Roughness of Current Polymeric Denture Materials

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Surface roughness of denture base materials significantly impacts biofilm adhesion and oral health.
• Current cleaning protocols' effects on polymeric denture surface texture are not fully understood.
• Investigating material-specific responses to cleaning is vital for effective denture maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of simulated toothbrush abrasion on the surface texture of four different denture base materials.
• To assess how different cleaning media (water, dish detergent, toothpaste slurry) affect surface texture.
• To correlate surface texture changes with material properties and potential for biofilm adhesion.

Main Methods:

• Four denture base materials were tested: dimethyl methacrylate-based (DMA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyamide (PA), and polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
• Specimens underwent simulated toothbrush abrasion for 1800, 1800, and 3600 cycles using water, dish detergent, or toothpaste slurry.
• Surface texture parameters (Sa, Sal, Sdr, Sku, Ssk) were analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Main Results:

• Surface texture parameters Sa, Sal, and Sdr significantly changed based on the cleaning medium and material type, with duration having a minor effect.
• Dimethyl methacrylate-based (DMA) materials exhibited minimal surface alterations.
• Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) showed deformities, while polyamide (PA) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) displayed surface changes potentially promoting biofilm adhesion, despite PEEK's high hardness.

Conclusions:

• Denture cleaning recommendations must be tailored to the specific denture base material.
• Polyamide (PA) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) dentures may require regular surface inspection and repolishing to mitigate biofilm formation risks.
• Understanding material-specific surface changes is key to optimizing denture hygiene and patient oral health.