Comparative analysis of denture cleanser effects on surface roughness: traditional vs. 3D-printed resin bases - a systematic review

Aim: Digital advances have streamlined dentistry and denture creation. 3D-printed denture bases may pose challenges to oral health due to their surface roughness, which can facilitate bacterial adhesion. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of denture cleansers on the surface roughness of 3D-printed denture base resins compared to traditionally fabricated counterparts. Methods: An electronic search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted, examining articles in English that met specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Initially, 629 articles were identified, out of which only five studies were chosen. Results: A quality assessment based on OHAT revealed a high risk of bias in the majority of studies due to methodological insufficiencies. A majority of the studies observed an increase in surface roughness of 3D-printed denture base resins after immersion in denture cleansers. Two studies highlighted the most pronounced alteration in the surface topography of additively manufactured denture base resins compared to their heat-polymerized counterparts. Additionally, the increase in surface roughness was contingent upon the duration of immersion. Conclusion: Based on the limited evidence available, the application of denture cleansers on 3D-printed denture bases significantly augmented surface roughness compared to conventional denture bases. Heterogeneous methodologies and a high risk of bias preclude definitive conclusions. Further investigations with standardized methods are warranted.