Effect of repeated cycles of chemical disinfection in microhardness of acrylic resins of complete denture base

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the microhardness of specimens of acrylic resins VipiCril® (thermally polymerized resin) and Bosworth New Truliner® (self-polymerized resin), before and after immersion in solutions of 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, 1% sodium hypochlorite, Corega Tabs® and water (control), testing the null hypothesis that the mouthwashes and chemicals used to disinfect complete dentures do not interfere with the superficial microhardness, and can therefore be used as adjuncts to oral hygiene of edentulous patients. Methods: Sixty specimens of resin VipiCril®(thermally polymerized resin) and 60 specimens of resin Bosworth New Truliner® (self-polymerized resin) measuring 16 mm of diameter and 6 mm of height were prepared, which were randomly divided into four groups of 15 specimens each, undergoing Knoop hardness tests (KHN) both before and after cycles of immersion in solutions of 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, 1% sodium hypochlorite, Corega Tabs® and water (control). Results: The specimens of resins VipiCril and Bosworth immersed in solutions of 0.12% chlorhexidine, Corega Tabs® and water showed decreased microhardness. Conclusion: The 1% sodium hypochlorite solution caused least damage to the denture structure, not leading to decrease of the superficial microhardness.