Effect of two cleansing materials on hardness and surface roughness of conventional and three-dimensional printed denture base materials

Aim The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different cleansing materials on the hardness and surface roughness of conventional and three-dimensional (3D) printed denture base materials. Materials and methods A total of 140 specimens were tested for surface hardness and surface roughness. The samples of each denture base type (n = 70) were randomly divided into seven subgroups each of them = 10 samples. The first subgroup was stored in distilled water. Second, third, and fourth subgroups were immersed for 18, 36, and 54 days in Corega denture cleanser, respectively. Fifth, sixth, and seventh subgroups were immersed for 18, 36, and 54 days in Aloe vera, respectively. Results The roughness of the 3D printed denture base material was significantly lower than that of the conventional denture base material. While the hardness of the 3D printed denture base material was significantly higher than that of the conventional denture base material. For the two types of cleaning agents used, there was a nonsignificant difference in hardness of 3D printed and conventional denture base materials immersed in Corega or Aloe vera. There was a significant difference in the surface roughness of 3D printed and conventional denture base materials immersed in Corega and Aloe vera. Conclusion Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it was concluded that 3D printed denture base material exhibited significantly more favorable surface roughness and hardness compared to the conventional denture base material. Disinfection by immersion using Corega produced higher surface roughness values than using Aloe vera. While Corega and Aloe vera caused nonsignificant damage to the hardness of the conventional and 3D printed denture base materials. Clinical implications Aloe vera gel for disinfecting 3D printed and conventional denture base materials is suggested to maintain a smooth surface of the denture base. Printing denture bases is recommended because of its high hardness and low roughness could be achieved.