Comparative evaluation of sodium hypochlorite and microwave disinfection on dimensional stability of denture bases

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of sodium hypochlorite and microwave disinfection on the dimensional stability of denture bases without and with relining. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A brass die was prepared by simulating an edentulous maxillary arch. It was used to fabricate 1.5 mm and 3 mm of thickness denture bases (n = 40). The 1.5 mm of thickness-specimens (n = 20) were relined with 1.5 mm of autopolymerizing relining resin. Five holes were prepared over crest of ridge of brass die with intimately fitting stainless steel pins which were transferred to the intaglio surface of specimens during fabrication of denture bases. For calculation of dimensional changes in denture bases, differences between the baseline area before and after disinfection of the specimens were used. The denture bases without and with relining were divided into 2 groups (each n = 20). Data were analyzed using student paired 't' and unpaired 't' test. RESULTS: Microwave disinfection produces significant shrinkage in both denture bases without relining (t = 17.16; P<.001) and with relining (t = 14.9; P<.001). Denture bases without relining showed more shrinkage when compared with relined denture bases after microwave disinfection (t = 6.09; P<.001). The changes in dimensional stability after sodium hypochlorite disinfection were not significant for both denture bases without relining (t = 2.19; P=.056) and denture bases with relining (t = 2.17; P=.058). CONCLUSION: Microwave disinfection leads to increased shrinkage of denture bases without and with relining. Chemical disinfection with sodium hypochlorite seems to be a safer method of disinfection with regards to physical properties such as changes in dimensional stability.