Evaluation of the efficiency of denture cleaners for removing denture adhesives.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We developed a new scoring index for assessing the removability of denture adhesives and evaluated the removal efficiency of denture cleaners. BACKGROUND: Although our understanding of the importance of denture care is increasing, little is known about the effectiveness and efficiency of denture cleaners on denture adhesives. Therefore, guidelines for proper cleaning are necessary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used five denture cleaner solutions on two cream adhesives, one powder adhesive and one cushion adhesive. After immersion in the denture cleaners for a designated time, we evaluated the area of the sample plate still covered by denture adhesive. RESULTS: Cream adhesives were removed more completely after immersion in majority of the denture cleaners than in water. Powder adhesive was removed more quickly than cream adhesives. Cushion adhesive was not removed by immersion in either the denture cleaners or water control. CONCLUSION: Some denture cleaners could liquefy cream adhesives more than water, but these differences were not observed in case of powder and cushion adhesives.