Effect of Different Denture Cleansers on Surface Roughness of Denture Base Materials

Background and Aim: It has been commonly believed that, denture cleansers have detrimental effects on the surface structure of denture base materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects on surface roughness of 4 different commercially available chemical cleaning agents (Polident, Corega Tabs, Fittydent, Efferdent) and sodium hypochlorite on the denture base materials. Materials and Methods: Standard disc shaped test specimens were prepared at 10x2 mm dimensions from conventional acrylic resin and Chrome-Cobalt (Co-Cr). Before cleaning agent immersion, the surface roughness values (Ra) were measured. After the end of this period, surface measurements were made again and ΔRa values were calculated. Results were statistically analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences found between before and after cleaning procedure that applied to acrylic specimens. When before and after surface roughness measurements were evaluated, there was statistically significant difference found only in sodium hypochlorite group that applied to Co-Cr test specimens. Conclusions: Effervescent tablets and sodium hypochlorite solutions that have been used routinely up to this time, etched the surfaces of the samples similarly. Hypochlorites can be corrosive to metal based dentures and it can affect the surface roughness.