Experimental mechanical polishing protocol performed continuously increases the durability of acrylic resin-based prosthetic materials.

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effect of a mechanical polishing protocol (MPP) performed continuously on the surface roughness and color stability of a denture base acrylic resin and artificial teeth exposed to different pigmenting substances. Materials and Methods Seventy specimens of each material (n=10) were exposed to: distilled water (DW, negative control); cigarette smoke (CS); immersion in coffee (CF); association CS+CF; and association of each pigmenting condition to the MPP (CS+MPP, CF+MPP and CS+CF+MPP). The MPP used aluminum oxide paste and felt wheel coupled to an electric motor. Color stability and surface roughness were evaluated by standard procedures at baseline and after 12 and 24 days. Two-way mixed ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Results In most experimental conditions, the polishing controlled the roughness changes, making roughness values significantly lower (p<0.05) than those observed in the negative control group, as well as significantly reduced (p<0.05)the color change even for the groups submitted to the association of cigarette smoke and coffee in both materials. Conclusions The proposed MPP, when carried out at biweekly intervals, was able to control the increase in surface roughness and reduce the color change on the tested acrylic resin-based prosthetic materials. Clinical Relevance Continuous polishing of removable dental prostheses can bring more durability, reducing the deleterious effect of agents such as cigarette and coffee. As it is a simple procedure to perform, the development of a portable device would allow the polishing to be done at home by the users of these prostheses.