In Vitro Biofilm Formation on 3D-Printed, Milled, and Conventionally Manufactured Denture Base Resins

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Microbiology
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Biofilm formation on denture bases contributes to oral diseases like denture stomatitis.
• Understanding biofilm accumulation is crucial for effective prosthodontic treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare biofilm formation on dental prosthetic materials produced via additive, subtractive, and conventional manufacturing techniques.
• To assess the influence of different manufacturing methods on the colonization of denture base materials by specific oral bacteria.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of disc specimens from 3D-printed resin, milled polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and conventionally processed materials.
• Incubation with Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis over 21 days.
• Quantification of biofilm using crystal violet staining and photometric OD measurements; surface analysis via scanning electron microscopy.

Main Results:

• Streptococcus sanguinis formed significantly more biofilm than Streptococcus mutans across all materials.
• Milled PMMA showed lower S. sanguinis biofilm accumulation compared to additive and conventional materials.
• Material-dependent differences for S. mutans were minimal, while S. sanguinis showed pronounced differences based on manufacturing technique.

Conclusions:

• Both the manufacturing technique and the bacterial species significantly influence biofilm formation on denture base materials.
• Milled materials may offer an advantage in reducing S. sanguinis biofilm accumulation.
• Further research into material properties and bacterial interactions is warranted for improved denture design.