Assessment of surface roughness changes on orthodontic acrylic resin by all-in-one spray disinfectant solutions

Background. The disinfection of orthodontic acrylic resins might change the physical and mechanical properties of these materials. We aimed to investigate the impact of four different commercially available disinfectants on the surface roughness of acrylic resins used for orthodontic appliances.

Methods. Four disinfectant solutions (BirexSE, Opti-Cide3, COEfect MinuteSpray, and CaviCide Spray) were used to disinfect orthodontic acrylic resins using the spraying method. The resins were subjected to repeated disinfection protocols. Distilled water, also applied via spraying method, was used as a control. Surface roughness was scrutinized to examine the extent of surface topography changes by stylus profilometry. Data normality was evaluated via the Shapiro–Wilk test, followed by the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test for non-parametric data or paired Student’s t-test for parametric data to compare intra-group differences in roughness before and after the use of the disinfectant solutions.

Results. Some of the disinfectants (BirexSE and CaviCide) resulted in significant changes in surface roughness values before and after the disinfection compared to the controls (P<0.05). The groups that were in contact with distilled water, Opti-Cide, and Coeffect did not exhibit significant differences in surface roughness before and after the intervention (P>0.05). However, from a clinical perspective, the resulting variations in surface roughness (<0.15%) induced by these solutions might not reflect clinically significant differences.

Conclusion. The use of disinfectant solutions is unlikely to harm the surface of orthodontic acrylic resins. Oral care providers need to be attentive to the interpretation and implementation of clinically significant changes in their evidence-based approach regarding potential material damages by disinfection sprays.