Development of Imaging Capability to Evaluate Abrasion, Biofilm and Stain Removal from Dentures

Failure of removable dentures is mainly attributed to inadequate cleaning and limited ability to remove stains (i.e. wine, coffee etc.). Brushing is not only inefficient, but the shear forces produced by a toothbrush can induce the formation of irregularities on the denture surface that favour the penetration of microorganisms and stains, making cleaning more difficult and ultimately promoting the infection of supporting tissues. Consequently, daily immersion in cleaning solutions (tablets) has been suggested to complement brushing for better denture hygiene and longevity. However, chemicals in cleaning solutions may degrade denture materials to a certain extent, causing colour changes (lightening) and an increase in surface roughness.
To understand and quantify these aspects of denture care, a correlative microscopy approach using high-resolution XCT provides a powerful evaluation and quantification of the complex interactions between brushing-induced abrasion, biofilm, and stain removal in dentures.