RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine adhesion of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) to different kinds of removable denture crowns for the purpose of minimizing influence of removable denture on oral environment. METHODS: Three kinds of removable denture crowns (single color synthetic resin teeth, alloy pin porcelain tooth and minute color synthetic resin teeth) were adsorbed S. mutans for 24 h in sterile saliva, The adhered bacteria were counted by means of sonic oscillation and bacteria coating. RESULTS: Highest level of adhesion was found on ,the single color synthetic resin teeth was adsorbed mostly, followed by alloy pin porcelain teeth. Minute color synthetic resin teeth had far less adhesion than the others (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Minute color synthetic resin teeth have less adhesion of S. mutans, which may be associated with their lower level of surface free energy.