Printed Versus Conventional Denture Base Resins: Physical- Mechanical Evaluation After Immersion in Beverages and Cleansers.

INTRODUCTION

Denture base resins, both 3D-printed (PR) and heat-cured (HR), are exposed to beverages and cleansers that impact their color stability, surface roughness, and microhardness. Understanding these effects is essential for guiding clinical recommendations and optimizing material selection for long-term use.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the color change, roughness, and microhardness of PR and HR denture base resins after immersion in beverages and cleansers.

METHODS

PR and HR samples were subjected to 5,000 thermocycling cycles in distilled water, coffee, and green tea, as well as immersion in 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and effervescent tablets (Corega Tabs®) to simulate 6 months of use. Color change was evaluated using the CIELab and CIEDE2000 systems, surface roughness using Ra and Rz parameters, and microhardness, before and after immersion.

RESULTS

Distilled water, 1% NaClO, and effervescent tablet caused higher color changes in both PR and HR (P⟩0.05). HR showed increased roughness after immersion in 1% NaClO, effervescent tablet, and coffee (P⟨0.05). All beverages and cleansers affected PR roughness (P⟨0.05). Only 1% NaClO reduced HR microhardness (P⟨0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Immersion in beverages and cleansers alters the color and roughness of PR and HR, with 1% NaClO causing the most significant impact on their physical and mechanical properties.