Abstract
Background: Complete dentures are at high risk of contamination, and their disinfection is imperative to prevent cross-contamination. Also, chemical disinfecting agents can effectively eliminate microorganisms. This study aimed to assess the effect of combinations of hydrogen peroxide (HP) and vinegar in different ratios on the surface roughness of heat-cure denture base acrylic resin.
Methods: This in vitro, experimental study evaluated 40 heat-cure acrylic resin specimens that were flasked and heated at 70 ° C for 9 hours for heat polymerization. The acrylic specimens were cut into small cubic pieces measuring 20×20×3 mm using a cutting machine and polished with metallographic abrasive paper. The specimens were randomized into 4 groups of control (artificial saliva) and HP and vinegar in 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1 ratios (three experimental groups). Then, they were immersed in the respective solutions for 8 hours/day for one month. Their surface roughness (Ra) was measured before and after immersion by a profilometer. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (α=0.05).
Results: The immersion of acrylic specimens in HP+vinegar in 1:1 and 1:3 ratios did not cause a significant change in their surface roughness (P>0.05). However, the surface roughness significantly decreased after immersion in HP+vinegar in a 3:1 ratio (P=0.032). Despite the reduction in the surface roughness of specimens in the 3:1 group, the difference in surface roughness was not significant among the four groups after immersion (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Combinations of HP and vinegar in different ratios appear to be suitable for cleaning removable dentures due to their insignificant effects on the surface roughness of acrylic resin.