Occlusal Pressure Analysis of Complete Dentures after Microwave Disinfection: A Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: This clinical study evaluated the effect of microwave disinfection protocols on the occlusal pressure pattern of dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentures were constructed for 40 patients and evaluated as follows (n = 20). Group 1: Patients had the maxillary dentures submitted to microwave disinfection, once a week, for 4 weeks. Group 2: Patients had the maxillary dentures submitted to microwave disinfection, three times a week, for 4 weeks. Occlusal contacts were recorded on five occasions: 30 days after denture insertion and before first disinfection (baseline or control group); 1 week after disinfection; 2 weeks after disinfection; 3 weeks after disinfection; 4 weeks after disinfection. Occlusal contacts were analyzed by T-Scan III. Intergroup analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test and intragroup analysis using the Friedman test with significance of 5%. RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference between groups during the periods. The data on parameters loss of denture adaptation or complaints showed that patients used their dentures regularly for eating and expressed comfort and satisfaction in all experimental periods. The evaluation of functional occlusion revealed that the distribution of the occlusal contacts remained unaltered after disinfection. CONCLUSION: Microwave disinfection protocols as studied in this report did not influence occlusal contacts of the complete dentures.

Effects of short-term immersion and brushing with different denture cleansers on the roughness, hardness, and color of two types of acrylic resin.

PURPOSE: To investigate the cumulative effects of brushing (B) or immersion (I), using different cleansing agents, on the surface roughness, hardness and color stability of a heat-polymerized denture resin, Lucitone 550 (L), and a hard chairside reline resin, Tokuyama Rebase Fast II (T). METHODS: A total of 316 specimens (10 x 2 mm) were fabricated. The specimens (n = 9) were divided into brushing or immersion groups according to the following agents: dentifrice/distilled water (D), 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), Corega Tabs (Pb), 1% chlorhexidine gluconate (Chx), and 0.2% peracetic acid (Ac). Brushing and immersion were tested independently. Assays were performed after 1, 3, 21, 45 and 90 brushing cycles or immersion of 10 seconds each. Data were evaluated statistically by repeated measures ANOVA. Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) post-hoc test was used to determine differences between means (α = 0.05). RESULTS: For L there was no statistically significant difference in roughness, except a significant decrease in roughness by brushing with D. T showed a significant effect on the roughness after 90 immersions with Ac. Hardness values decreased for L when specimens were immersed or brushed in NaOCl and Pb. The hardness of T decreased with increases in the repetitions (immersion or brushing), regardless of the cleaning method. Values of color stability for L resin showed significant color change after brushing with and immersion in Ac and Pb. Brushing with D exhibited a higher incidence of color change. For T there were no significant differences between cleaning agents and repetitions in immersion. A color change was noted after three brushings with the Ac, Chx, and D. Brushing with dentifrice decreased roughness of L. Immersion in or brushing with NaOCl and Pb decreased the hardness of L. For T, hardness decreased with increases in immersions or brushing. Color changes after the immersion in or brushing with cleaning agents were clinically acceptable according to National Bureau of Standards parameters for both resins.

In vitro evaluation of adherence of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Streptococcus mutans to an acrylic resin modified by experimental coatings.

This study evaluated the effect of experimental coatings, containing zwitterion or hydrophilic monomers, on the adherence of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Streptococcus mutans to an acrylic resin. Acrylic samples (smooth or rough surfaces) were left untreated (control) or coated with one of the following experimental coatings: 3-hydroxypropylmethacrylate (HP) or sulfobetaine methacrylate (S), at concentrations of 25, 30, or 35%. Half of the specimens were coated with saliva. The adhesion test was performed by incubating specimens in C. albicans, C. glabrata, and S. mutans suspensions at 37°C for 90 min. The number of adhered microorganisms was determined by metabolic activity (XTT) and by cell viability (CFU). All coated specimens exhibited lower absorbance and CFU values compared to control specimens. Saliva and roughness did not promote microorganism adherence. An XPS analysis confirmed the modification in the chemical composition of the coatings in the experimental samples. These experimental coatings significantly reduced the adherence of C. albicans, C. glabrata and S. mutans to acrylic resin.

Candida albicans adherence to an acrylic resin modified by experimental photopolymerised coatings: an in vitro study.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated whether photopolymerised coatings containing zwitterion or hydrophilic monomers would reduce the adhesion of Candida albicans to an acrylic resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disc-shaped samples (n = 468) were fabricated with rough or smooth surfaces. The samples did not receive any surface treatment (control) or were coated with one of the following experimental coatings (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate - HE; 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate - HP; and 2-trimethylammonium ethyl methacrylate chloride - T; and sulfobetaine methacrylate - S). The concentrations of the constituent monomers were 25, 30 or 35%. The water contact angles of the samples were measured, and half of the samples were exposed to saliva. The adherent yeast cells were counted after crystal violet staining. RESULTS: For the smooth samples, the groups S35, HP35 and HE35 showed significantly lower number of adhered Candida than control, in the absence of saliva. There were no significant differences among the experimental and control groups for the rough samples, but the saliva decreased the cell numbers for groups S25, S30 and HP30. The photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the changes in the chemical compositions of the experimental samples. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental photopolymerised coatings changed the chemical composition and decreased C. albicans adhesion in the groups S35, HP35 and HE35, suggesting that they should be further investigated.

Cytotoxicity of denture base and hard chairside reline materials: a systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Adverse reactions to the materials used for the fabrication and reline of removable denture bases have been observed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the published literature on the cytotoxicity of denture base and hard reline materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MEDLINE via PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for the period January 1979 to December 2009 were searched with the following key words: (biocompatibility OR cytotoxic* OR allergy OR "burning mouth" OR "cell culture techniques") AND ("acrylic resins" OR denture OR monomer OR relin* OR "denture liners"). The inclusion criteria included in vitro studies using either animal or human cells, in which the cytotoxicity of the denture base and hard chairside reline resins was tested. Studies of resilient lining materials and those that evaluated other parameters such as genotoxicity and mutagenicity were excluded. Articles published in the English language and in peer-reviewed journals focusing on the cytotoxicity of these materials were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 1443 articles were identified through the search. From these, 20 studies were judged to meet the selection criteria and were included in the review. In the majority of the studies, continuous cell lines were exposed to eluates of specimens made from the materials, and mitochondrial activity was used to estimate cell viability. The tested acrylic resins were grouped according to 5 major categories: (1) heat-polymerized; (2) microwave-polymerized; (3) autopolymerizing; (4) light-polymerized; and (5) hard chairside reliners. CONCLUSIONS: This review provided some evidence that the heat-polymerized resins showed lower cytotoxic effects than autopolymerizing denture base acrylic resins and light or dual polymerized reline resins. However, because of the large number of variables in the reviewed literature, a definitive conclusion could not be drawn.

Surface roughness of denture base and reline materials after disinfection by immersion in chlorhexidine or microwave irradiation.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of disinfection by immersion and microwave irradiation on the roughness of one denture base resin (Lucitone-L) and five relining materials, three hard (Tokuyama Rebase II-TR, New Truliner-NT, Ufigel Hard-UH) and two resilient (Trusoft-T, Sofreliner-S). METHODS: Fifty specimens were made and divided into groups: CL2 specimens were brushed with 4% chlorhexidine (1 min), immersed in the same solution (10 min) and immersed in water (3 min); MW2 specimens were immersed in water and microwave irradiated (650W; 6 min); CL2 and MW2 specimens were disinfected twice; CL7 and MW7 specimens were submitted to seven cycles using chlorhexidine or microwave irradiation, respectively; W specimens were not disinfected and remained in water (37°C; 7 days). RESULTS: Results were statistically analysed (p = 0.05) and revealed that, at baseline, the highest mean value was observed for T (p < 0.001). Material NT showed increase in roughness after the first (p = 0.003), second (p = 0.001), seventh (p = 0.000) cycles of microwave disinfection and after 7 days of immersion in water (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Resilient liner S presented significant increase in roughness after the second cycle of disinfection with chlorhexidine (p = 0.003). Material T exhibited significantly decreased roughness in group W (p = 0.010), while microwaving produced severe alterations on its surface.

Weight loss and changes in surface roughness of denture base and reline materials after simulated toothbrushing in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the weight loss and the surface roughness of acrylic resins after simulated brushing tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten specimens of each material (Tokuyama Rebase II-TR, New Truliner-NT, Ufi Gel Hard-UH and Lucitone 550-L) were made. The wear loss (mg) by weight and the surface roughness (Ra µm) of each specimen was determined before and after brushing. The specimens were placed on the brushing machine and a total of 20,000 brushing cycles was performed. The results of weight loss and roughness values were submitted to the anova followed by the Tukey's test (p = 0.05). RESULTS: The mean weight loss of material L was statistically higher (p < 0.001) than that of the relines TR, UH and NT. No significant differences were found among the roughness values of resins TR, UH and L (p > 0.05). Only for L, toothbrushing increased the surface roughness. After toothbrushing, there was no significant difference between the roughness values of materials L and NT. The highest mean weight loss during the simulated toothbrushing tests was observed for L. Before the toothbrushing tests, the NT exhibited the highest mean roughness. CONCLUSION: Brushing resulted in increase in roughness only for resin L.

The effect of long-term disinfection procedures on hardness property of resin denture teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of long-term disinfection procedures on the Vickers hardness (VHN) of acrylic resin denture teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five acrylic resin denture teeth (Vipi Dent Plus-V, Trilux-T, Biolux-B, Postaris-P and Artiplus-A) and one composite resin denture teeth (SR-Orthosit-O) were embedded in heat-polymerised acrylic resin within polyvinylchloride tubes. Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 48 h. Measurements of hardness were taken after the following disinfection procedures: immersion for 7 days in 4% chlorhexidine gluconate or in 1% sodium hypochlorite (CIm and HIm group, respectively) and seven daily cycles of microwave sterilisation at 650 W for 6 min (MwS group). In the WIm group, specimens were maintained in water during the time used to perform the disinfection procedures (7 days). Data were analysed with anova followed by the Bonferroni procedure (α = 0.01). RESULTS: Microwave disinfection decreased the hardness of all acrylic resin denture teeth (p < 0.001). Immersion for 7 days in 4% chlorhexidine gluconate or distilled water had significant effect on the hardness of the acrylic resin denture teeth A (p < 0.01), and 1% sodium hypochlorite on teeth T (p < 0.01). All disinfection procedures decrease the hardness of the composite resin denture teeth (p < 0.01). Teeth O exhibited the highest and teeth V the lowest hardness values in the control group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Disinfection procedures changed the hardness of resin denture teeth.

Fungicidal effect of photodynamic therapy against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans and Candida glabrata.

Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown great promise for the inactivation of Candida species, its effectiveness against azole-resistant pathogens remains poorly documented. This in vitro study describes the association of Photogem® (Photogem, Moscow, Russia) with LED (light emitting diode) light for the photoinactivation of fluconazole-resistant (FR) and American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Suspensions of each Candida strain were treated with five Photogem® concentrations and exposed to four LED light fluences (14, 24, 34 or 50 min of illumination). After incubation (48 h at 37 °C), colonies were counted (CFU ml(-1)). Single-species biofilms were generated on cellulose membrane filters, treated with 25.0 mg l(-1) of Photogem® and illuminated at 37.5 J cm(-2). The biofilms were then disrupted and the viable yeast cells present were determined. Planktonic suspensions of FR strains were effectively killed after PDT. It was observed that the fungicidal effect of PDT was strain-dependent. Significant decreases in biofilm viability were observed for three strains of C. albicans and for two strains of C. glabrata. The results of this investigation demonstrated that although PDT was effective against Candida species, fluconazole-resistant strains showed reduced sensitivity to PDT. Moreover, single-species biofilms were less susceptible to PDT than their planktonic counterparts.

Effectiveness of chlorhexidine on the disinfection of complete dentures colonised with fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans: in vitro study.

This in vitro study evaluated different concentrations of chlorhexidine (CHX) solution on the disinfection of dentures colonised with a reference (ATCC 90028) and azole-resistant (R1, R2 e R3) strains of Candida albicans. Sterile dentures were individually inoculated with one of the strains and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Then, each denture was immersed in sterile saline (control) or CHX (2%, 1% or 0.2%) for 10 min. Samples of serial dilutions were spread on Agar Sabouraud Dextrose and incubated at 37 °C for 48 h. The colonies were counted and the values of log(cfu ml(-1)) were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05). Dentures immersed in CHX were incubated for 7 days. For all strains, the cfu ml(-1) values of 0.2% CHX were significantly higher than those of 2% and 1% CHX. There was no difference between the cfu ml(-1) values of 2% and 1% CHX. For dentures immersed in CHX, ATCC 90028 strain showed lower cfu ml(-1) values than R2 and R3 strains. For control dentures, cfu ml(-1) values of ATCC 90028 strain were higher than those of R strains. Immersion in 2% CHX resulted in the highest number of dentures without fungal growth after 7 days. For denture disinfection, 2% CHX was the most effective concentration, and R strains were less susceptible to disinfection. Chlorhexidine is effective in disinfection of dentures contaminated with azole-resistant C. albicans.

Color stability of chemically activated reline resin after microwave disinfection: a 1-year clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of microwave disinfection on the color stability of a hard chairside reline resin after a 1-year service period. METHODS: 40 adult patients aged between 30-75 years, who required denture reline treatment, participated in this study. Tokuyama Rebase II was used to reline complete maxillary dentures. The edentulous subjects were randomly divided into two groups (n=20) and dentures were cleansed according to two methods: CG (control group) - brushing with coconut soap and soft toothbrush; DG (disinfection group) - brushing according to previous methods and microwave disinfection once a week for 3 minutes at 650W. Color parameters in L*a*b* were recorded by spectrophotometer immediately after the reline, at 7 and 15 days, 1, 3, 6 and 9 months and 1 year post-placement. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey tests (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: Color alteration values of DG were significantly lower than those of CG (P<0.05). Color changes observed after 15 days were greater than values obtained at 7 days recall (P<0.05). All color changes observed for the CG were considered noticeable (between 1.5 and 3.0 NBS). In DG, color change was slight (between 0.5 and 1.5 NBS). There were statistically significant differences between L* values obtained initially and after 3 months, between 15 days and 3 months and between 15 days and 1 year (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between group and time for the parameters a* and b*.

Effect of thermal cycling on microleakage between hard chairside relines and denture base acrylic resins.

OBJECTIVES: Microleakage is a pre-stage of debonding between hard chairside relines and denture base acrylic resins. Therefore, it is important to assess them with regard to the longevity of the relined denture. This study investigated the effect of thermal cycling on the microleakage at the interface of three hard chairside reline resins and three denture base resins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rectangular bars (12 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm) of Lucitone 550, Acron MC and QC 20 were made and relined with Kooliner, Tokuyama Rebase Fast II and Ufi Gel Hard, Lucitone 550, Acron MC and QC 20 resins. Specimens were divided into one control and two test groups (n=10). In specimens of the control group, the microleakage was performed after the reline procedure. In Test Group 1, the specimens were stored for 24 h in distilled water at room temperature and in Test Group 2; the specimens were thermal cycled from 5 to 55°C for 5000 cycles with a 30-s dwell time. Subsequently, all specimens were immersed in 50% silver nitrate solutions for 24h. All specimens were sectioned longitudinally into three fractions and the lateral sections were examined (n=20). Silver nitrate stain penetration was examined under a stereoscopic lens with ×30 magnification, and the images were captured. Leica Qwin image analysis software was used to determine microleakage at the interface of the materials. Data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test at a 95% level of significance. RESULTS: For all cycles, there were no statistically significant differences between thermal cycled and non-thermal cycled groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that thermal cycling had no effect on the microleakage.

Effect of microwave disinfection on the surface roughness of three denture base resins after tooth brushing.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of microwave disinfection on the roughness of three heat-polymerised acrylic resins after tooth brushing. BACKGROUND: Microwave disinfection has been recommended to reduce cross-contamination. However, this procedure may also influence the physical and mechanical properties of acrylic resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens (40 × 20 × 2 mm) of resins: Lucitone 550 (L), QC 20(QC) and Acron MC (A) were prepared and divided into four groups (n = 10): Control groups 1 (C1) and 2 (C2) - stored in water for 48 h or 7 days; Test groups 1 (MW2) and 2 (MW7) - stored in water for 48 h and disinfected (650 W for 6 min) daily for 2 or 7 days, respectively. After treatments, the specimens were placed in a tooth brushing machine at a rate of 60 reciprocal strokes per minute. The specimens were brushed with 20 000 strokes, which represent approximately 2 years of denture cleansing. The surface roughness (Ra) was evaluated before and after the tooth brushing. Data were analysed by two-way anova and Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) post hoc tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The data revealed significant changes between test groups for A and L resins. Comparison among resins revealed that for MW7, the roughness of A was significantly lower than that of L. After the seven microwave cycles, it could be seen that the roughness values of QC were significantly lower than those of L. CONCLUSIONS: The roughness of QC after brushing was not significantly affected by microwave disinfection. For A and L, seven microwave cycles resulted in increased roughness.

Effect of water storage on the shear strength and fatigue limit of the reline resin bond to denture base resins.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of water storage (WS) on the shear bond strength (SBS) and shear bond fatigue limit (SBFL) between denture base and reline resins. In addition, a possible correlation between SBS and SBFL was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two denture base (Lucitone 550-L and Acron MC-AC) and two reline resins (Ufi Gel Hard- UGH and Tokuso Rebase Fast-TR) were selected. Cylinders (20 x 20 mm) of each denture base resin were processed, and the reline resins were packed on the bonding surfaces using a split mold (3.5 x 5.0 mm). Specimens of each denture base-reline resin combination were subjected to shear forces (0.5 mm/min) until fracture. A staircase approach was used to determine the SBFL. Specimens were submitted to either 10,000 cycles (5.0 Hz) or until fracture. For both SBS and SBFL, specimens were tested after relining (control) and after 30 days of WS. Data (MPa) were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05). To test for a possible correlation between the SBS and SBFL, a linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: WS significantly increased (p < 0.05) the SBS of AC-TR and AC-UGH and the SBFL of AC-TR, AC-UGH and LUGH. After WS, UGH produced higher (p < 0.05) SBS than TR, regardless of the denture base resin used. Regardless of the experimental groups and the denture base resins used, UGH produced higher (p < 0.05) SBFL than TR specimens. A strong positive linear correlation (r(2) = 0.949) was observed between the SBS and SBFL. CONCLUSION: Overall, UGH promoted the highest SBS and SBFL. WS increased the SBS and SBFL of the AC relined specimens. A positive correlation was observed between the two variables.

Effect of reline material and denture base surface treatment on the impact strength of a denture base acrylic resin.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the effect of relining and surface treatment on the impact strength (IS) of a heat-polymerising denture base acrylic resin (Lucitone 550-L) was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rectangular bars of L were made (60 x 6 x 2 mm) and relined (2 mm) with the relining resins Ufi Gel Hard (UH) and Tokuso Rebase Fast (TR). Specimens relined with L and intact L, TR and UH specimens were also made (60 x 6 x 4 mm), for comparison. Before relining, the L surface was left untreated or wetted with methyl methacrylate monomer and/or the bonding agents (BA) supplied by manufacturers of the reline resins. V-notches were machined at the midpoint of the length of all specimens. The notches were made either across the width (Nw) or across the thickness of the specimens (Nth). The Charpy impact test was performed using a 0.5-J pendulum, which had been specially designed and constructed. Data were analysed separately for each notch position using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference post-hoc test (p = 0.05). RESULTS: The IS of L was similar to that of L/L. For the Nw notch, treating the denture base L with TR BA and relining with TR reline material produced the highest IS. CONCLUSION: The IS of specimens made from heat polymerising acrylic resin Lucitone 550 was increased after relining using the hard chairside reline resin TR with its proprietary BA.

Influence of microwave disinfection on the dimensional stability of denture reline polymers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of microwave disinfection (3 minutes at 650 W) on the dimensional stability of hard chairside reline resins (Kooliner, Tokuyama Rebase II, Ufi Gel hard, New Truliner) and one heat-polymerizing denture base resin (Lucitone 550). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A split mold with reference points was used to make specimens (50.0-mm diameter, 0.5-mm thick) from each material, divided into five test groups (n = 8). The distances between the points on the mold were measured (gold standard), and compared with those obtained from the specimens after polymerization (baseline readings) after one, two, three, and four cycles of disinfection by microwave irradiation. RESULTS: ANOVA and Tukey tests (alpha= 0.05) showed that Kooliner was significantly affected by all disinfection cycles (p < 0.05) when compared with baseline measurements. New Truliner resin was significantly affected by three and four cycles of microwave disinfection when compared with baseline measurements (p < 0.05). For Tokuyama Rebase II, Ufi Gel hard, and Lucitone 550, no significant dimensional changes were found. CONCLUSIONS: Microwave disinfection promoted shrinkage of Kooliner and New Truliner. The dimensional stability of Tokuyama Rebase II, Ufi Gel Hard, and Lucitone 550 was not affected by microwave disinfection.

Growth of Candida species on complete dentures: effect of microwave disinfection.

Microwave disinfection of complete dentures has been recommended to treat denture stomatitis in non-immune compromised patients. Oral candidiasis is a frequent manifestation of HIV infection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave irradiation on the disinfection of complete dentures inoculated with American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and HIV isolates of five species of Candida. Fifty dentures were made, sterilised and inoculated with the tested microorganisms (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis). After incubation (37 degrees C/48 h), dentures were microwaved (650 W/3 min). Non-irradiated dentures were used as positive controls. Replicate aliquots of suspensions were plated at dilutions 10(-1) to 10(-4) and incubated (37 degrees C/48 h). Colony counts (cfu ml(-1)) were quantified. Dentures were also incubated at 37 degrees C for 7 days. Data were analysed with 2-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (alpha = 0.05). Dentures contaminated with all Candida species showed sterilisation after microwave irradiation. All control dentures showed microbial growth on the plates. The cfu ml(-1) for C. glabrata was higher than those of C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis whereas the cfu ml(-1) for C. krusei was lower. The cfu ml(-1) for clinical isolates was higher than those of ATCC yeast. Microwave irradiation for 3 min at 650 W resulted in sterilisation of all complete dentures.

The occurrence of porosity in reline acrylic resins. Effect of microwave disinfection.

BACKGROUND: Microwave energy has proved to be an effective method for disinfecting acrylic dentures. However, the effect of microwave heating on the porosity of autopolymerising denture reline resins has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of microwave disinfection on the porosity of autopolymerised denture reline materials (Kooliner-K, New Truliner-NT, Tokuso Rebase Fast-TR and Ufi Gel Hard-UGH) and a conventional heat-polymerised denture base resin (Lucitone 550-L). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens (10 mm x 20 mm x 1 mm) were obtained from the impression surface of the palatal mucosa in a single person and divided into four groups (n = 5). The porosity was evaluated after polymerisation (C1), after two cycles of microwave disinfection (MW2), after seven cycles of microwave disinfection (MW7) and after 7 days storage in water at 37 degrees C (C2). Specimens from group MW7 were exposed to microwave disinfection daily being stored in water at 37 degrees C between exposures. All the replicas were sputter coated with gold and micrographs/digital images were taken of each replica using scanning electron microscopy at magnification x 100. The SEM micrographs were then examined using an image analyser to determine the number of pores. Comparison between materials and groups were made using Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: MW7 resulted in a significant increase in the number from the pores of material K, but decreased in number in reline material TR and UGH reline resin. The number of pores in materials NT and L remained unaffected following microwave disinfection. CONCLUSION: Differences in the porosity amongst the materials and for different experimental conditions were observed following microwave disinfection.

Effect of oral hygiene education and motivation on removable partial denture wearers: longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of two different preventive oral hygiene education and motivation programmes on the plaque and gingival index, as well as denture hygiene of patients provided with removable partial denture (RPD) during a 12-month follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 53 partially edentulous patients were recruited for this study. The presence or absence of plaque and gingival bleeding by gentle probing was scored on all tooth surfaces at the preliminary visit. The plaque and gingival indexes were measured using the Löe index. Following treatment, the patients were randomly divided into three groups. In Control Group I, subjects were instructed to continue their personal oral hygiene routine. In Group II, participants were given verbal instructions and a self-educational manual on oral hygiene without illustrations. In Group III, oral hygiene guidance was delivered using a combination of verbal instructions and a self-teaching manual. To evaluate the effect of the different modes of instruction, the presence or absence of plaque and gingival bleeding was scored on all tooth surfaces (day zero examination) and re-examined 7, 15 and 30 days, 3, 6 and 12 months following RPD placement. The state of denture hygiene was evaluated 7, 15 and 30 days and 3, 6 and 12 months following rehabilitation. Parametric statistics was applied to dental plaque and gingival indexes. For accumulation of plaque and calculus on the RPD, non-parametric statistic was applied. RESULTS: The frequency of plaque found during the preliminary visit was higher than that found in the other periods. With regard to gingival index, significant difference was found between the preliminary visit examination and other periods. There was a significant difference in the plaque accumulation on the denture surface between groups I and III. CONCLUSION: The different methods of oral hygiene instruction used in this study indicate that the type of education was not of significant importance.

Adhesive bonding of resin composite to various Ni-Cr alloy surfaces using different metal conditioners and a surface modification system.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of three metal conditioners [Metal Photo Primer (MPP), Cesead II Opaque Primer (OP), Targis Link (TL)], and one surface modification system [Siloc (S)] on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a prosthetic composite material to Ni-Cr alloy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rivet-shaped specimens were cast, and three surface treatments were evaluated: Polishing (P); sandblasting with either 50 microm (50SB) or 250 microm (250SB) Al(2)O(3). All products were applied to half of the specimens, while the other half remained without the materials. Veneering resin composite (8-mm diameter, 2-mm thick) was applied and light-exposed for 90 seconds in a laboratory light-curing unit. The specimens were stored in water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours, and half were subjected to 500 thermal cycles consisting of water baths at 4 degrees C and 60 degrees C. All specimens were submitted to SBS test (0.5 mm/min) until failure. Failure patterns were determined using optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test (preset alpha of 5%). RESULTS: The SBS values of OP and TL groups were higher than those of MPP and S within the 50SB treatment (p < 0.05). No significant difference in SBS was noted between OP and TL as well as between MPP and S. On the other hand, no significant differences were found among conditioners within the 250SB group (p > 0.05). The SBS values of MPP, OP, and S from the 250SB group were higher than those from 50SB (p < 0.05). No significant difference in SBS was noted among most groups with conditioners after thermocycling. The only exception was observed for MPP, which showed an increase in SBS after thermocycling (p < 0.05). Differences in SBS were noted among the groups with conditioners (p < 0.05), and no significant difference in SBS was noted between TL and OP groups, which showed the highest values among all within the P group. No significant difference was noted between MPP and S. Debonded surfaces showed adhesive failures predominantly located between metal surface and opaque resin. CONCLUSIONS: The OP and TL conditioners and surface sandblasting with 250 microm Al(2)O(3) promoted the highest SBS between resin and the Ni-Cr metal surface.