Reduced plaque accumulation on hydrocarbon thin film deposited on restorative acrylic polymers

The deposition of a thin polymeric film from ethylene plasma was used to modify the surface properties of acrylic teeth, commonly used in the dental practice for crown and bridge restorations. The effects of the surface modification process on the surface composition, morphology, and energetics were evaluated by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, atomic force microscopy, and contact angle measurement respectively. Plaque accumulation on the plasma-coated and untreated material was evaluated in in vivo experiments, in which the same patient received conventional and plasma-coated restorations. The hydrocarbon-like surface of the plasma-coated restoration remained remarkably free from plaque, even in the absence of brushing. On the other hand, plaque accumulation was observed on the unmodified restoration. Results are discussed according to recent theories on bioadhesive phenomena.