Comparative evaluation of the effects of laser and chemical denture disinfectants on the surface characteristics of CAD-CAM and conventional denture resins: An in vitro experimental study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Ga-Al-Ar diode, Nd:YAG lasers, and chemical disinfectants (NaOCl, vinegar, and Corega) on surface roughness (Ra) and hardness (VHN) of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), thermoplastic polyamide, milled and 3D-printed denture base resins.

Materials and methods: About 432 specimens of PMMA, thermoplastic polyamide, milled, and 3D-printed resins were divided into six subgroups (n = 18): distilled water (control:C), Ga-Al-Ar diode laser (L1), Nd:YAG laser (L2), 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), vinegar (AA), and Corega (CR). Each specimen's Ra and VHN were measured. Surface topography assessment was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Analysis was done using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test (p = 0.05).

Results: A significant difference was noted in Ra and VHN as affected by denture base materials, surface disinfectants, and their interaction (p < 0.001). Results showed a significant increase in Ra of PMMA with NaOCL (p < 0.001), AA (p = 0.005), and CR (p = 0.009), thermoplastic polyamide with L1 (p = 0.012), L2 (p = 0.015), NaOCL AA, and CR (p < 0.001 each), milled resin with AA NaOCL, and CR (p < 0.001 each), and 3D-printed resin with L1, NaOCl, AA (p < 0.001 each), and CR (p = 0.008). The VHN increased in PMMA with NaOCL (p < 0.001), AA (p = 0.044), and CR (p < 0.001), thermoplastic polyamide with L1 (p = 0.037), milled resin with L1, L2, and CR (p < 0.001 each), and 3D-printed resin with L1, NaOCl (p < 0.001 each), and decreased with CR (p = 0.007).

Conclusion: The tested properties showed variations affected by denture base material and surface disinfectants. Laser treatments induced smoother surfaces than chemical disinfectants. Laser improved the surface hardness of CAD-CAM resins, while chemical immersion improved that of PMMA.