Effects of chemical disinfectants on the surface characteristics and color of denture resins

Purpose. Because dentures are disinfected repeatedly and for various amounts of time, it was of clinical interest to determine whether chemical disinfectants altered the surface texture or inherent color. Material and Methods. Five chemical disinfectants (Clorox, Banicide, Cidex-7, Biocide, and Multicide) in combination with five denture resins (Dentsply reline material, Hygenic HyFlo, Hygenic Perm, Lucitone 199, and Triad VLC reline resin) were evaluated at four different times of immersion (10 minutes, 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 7 days). Changes from baseline for surface roughness and color were recorded. Surface roughness data were recorded with a surface analyzer. Color data in CIE L*a*b* color space were measured with a colorimeter. Data were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance and single-factor analysis of variance. Results. Although statistical differences were demonstrated among disinfectants and resins for both measured parameters, the magnitudes of change in color and roughness was most often clinically insignificant. Conclusions. One disinfectant (Multicide) cannot be used on all five resins, and the remaining four disinfectants can be used on any of the five resins for up to a period of 30 minutes. All resins tested can be immersed in the four remaining disinfectants for up to 30 minutes without appreciable alteration to surface texture or color. Lucitone 199 resin can be immersed in any of the four disinfectants for up to 7 days without perceivable color change. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;77:197-204.)