Color Stability of Heat-cure Acrylic Resin Subjected to Simulated Short-term Immersion in Fast-acting Denture Cleansers

BACKGROUND: Regular usage of denture cleansers is recommended in complete denture wearers for effective plaque control, and these cleansers alter the physical properties of acrylic resin over a period of time. Thus, an in vitro study was carried out to assess the effect of denture cleansers on the color stability of heat-cure denture base resin. AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of commercially available fast-acting denture cleansers on the color stability of heat-cure denture base resin at different time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six heat-cure acrylic resin (Ivoclar Triplex Hot-V) specimens are randomly allocated into four groups – Group A (distilled water as control); Group B (polident – 3 min); Group C (fixodent scope plus); and Group D (stain away plus) comprising of nine samples each. After recording the baseline values, the specimens were immersed in their respective cleansing solutions for a prescribed time interval. This procedure was repeated daily, and the color change (ΔE) was evaluated after 90 and 180 days interval using a colorimeter in a standard “Commission International de l'Eclairage” color system. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Paired t-test and Dunnett's T3 test. RESULTS: All the groups exhibited a variable color change (ΔE) for an immersion period of 90 days. However, significant color differences (P = 0.001) were noticed among the test groups after 180 days. CONCLUSION: The color change of denture base resin was greater for Group D followed by Groups B, C, and A respectively after 180 days of immersion. The ΔE values of all test groups increased with time.