Adherence of Candida albicans to denture-base materials with different surface finishes

Objectives: To assess the in vitro adherence of Candida albicans to heat-cured hard and soft denture-base materials with varying surface roughness, and to observe the effect of a mixed salivary pellicle on candidal adhesion to these surfaces. Methods: In vitro adhesion assays on heat-cured acrylic resin (Trevalon), Molloplast B and Novus using the type strain of C. albicans (NCPF 3153A). Surfaces for the assays were prepared using clinically appropriate rotary instruments. Unstimulated, pooled and clarified whole saliva was used to assess its effect on adhesion. Results: Significantly greater adhesion of C. albicans to rough rather than smooth surfaces was found (P < 0.001), as well as increased adhesion to the machined soft lining materials compared with acrylic. Pre-coating denture-base materials with saliva reduced candidal adhesion on all materials. Conclusions: Rough surfaces on denture-base materials promote the adhesion of C. albicans in vitro. However, saliva reduces adhesion of C. albicans and thus diminishes the effect of surface roughness and free surface energy differences between materials.