Comparison of various methods of disinfecting acrylic dentures: Assessment of antimicrobial efficacy & dimensional changes

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate different procedures to check for the most effective and most dimensionally accurate disinfection method for acrylic dentures. Material and Method: Forty five edentulous patients wearing dentures were divided into three categories: Group I included disinfection with conventional microwave at 650 W for 3 mins twice a week, Group II disinfected their dentures by immersing in 0.2% clorhexidine gluconate solution for 30 mins twice a week and Group III used 100% White vinegar solution for immersion for 30 mins twice a week. The inter-molar distance, inter canine distance; the anterio-posteriro distance and the depth of the cast were measured with Digital Vernier calipers. Result: Group III showed highest decline in number of bacterial colonies after 60 days followed by Group I. Least decline was seen in II. Highest dimensional changes was seen in Group I followed by Group II dentures. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that all the three methods were effective for disinfection of denture while immersion in White vinegar was most dimensionally stable.