In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of two surface treatments on a commercial denture base biomaterial

Denture base materials are involved in the edentulous patient´s therapy as part of a three component system: underlying tissue, saliva and denture. Saliva´s properties are influenced by a wide range of factors therefore xerostomic signs and symptoms can be seen increasingly often, especially in geriatric patients. Extensive use of available saliva is possible only respecting clinical design principles and is enhanced by surface treatments. Plasma deposition and sandblasting effect on a commercial denture base material were analyzed in a comparative approach. Wettability with natural saliva represented the in-vitro evaluation of the biological process, while measurement of retention force of palatal plates defined the in-vivo section. Both techniques increased wettability and retention force, plasma deposition proving to be more effective than sandblasting. The difference between in vitro and in vivo experiments may due to variation of quantity and quality of saliva, emphasizing its role in complete denture retention.