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Disinfection-Induced Changes in Color Stability, Microhardness, and Surface Roughness of Conventional and CAD-CAM
Uthai Uma1, Thanchanit Lertyingyos2, Tharathip Lilitsuvan2
1Department of Occlusion, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
European Journal of Dentistry
|July 1, 2026
Summary
Disinfectants impact occlusal device color and hardness based on material type, but surface roughness remains stable. Tailoring disinfection methods to specific materials is crucial for maintaining device performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Dental Prosthetics
Background:
- Occlusal devices require regular disinfection for hygiene.
- Disinfection may alter material properties, impacting clinical longevity.
- Understanding disinfectant effects on diverse occlusal materials is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess disinfectant impact on occlusal device color stability (ΔE), microhardness (ΔVHN), and surface roughness (ΔRa).
- To investigate interactions between disinfectant types and material types.
- To guide evidence-based disinfection protocols for long-term occlusal device maintenance.
Main Methods:
- 168 specimens from six materials (self-cured, heat-cured, milled, 3D-printed) were aged for 45 days.
- Specimens underwent daily 15-minute disinfection with liquid soap (LS), chlorhexidine (CHX), or denture cleanser (DC), or dry storage (control).
- Color stability, Vickers microhardness, and surface roughness were measured pre- and post-immersion.
Main Results:
- Disinfectants and material types significantly influenced color change (ΔE) and microhardness (ΔVHN) (p < 0.05).
- Milled and 3D-printed materials showed increased discoloration with LS and CHX.
- Some materials exhibited increased microhardness with CHX and DC, while others showed softening or minimal change.
Conclusions:
- Disinfection affects occlusal device color and hardness in a material-specific manner.
- Surface roughness changes were clinically insignificant.
- Clinicians must select disinfection protocols based on the specific material of the occlusal device to ensure durability.
