Comparing the impact of denture cleansers on the surface properties of conventional and digitally fabricated denture bases: A systematic review with meta-analysis of in vitro studies

Statement of problem: The impact of denture cleansers on the mechanical and surface properties of denture bases has been evaluated with in vitro studies. However, a comparative evaluation of the current evidence on the impact of using denture cleansers on the surface properties of conventional and digitally fabricated denture bases is lacking. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to analyze the current evidence on the impact of denture cleansers on conventional and digitally fabricated denture bases from in vitro studies. Material and methods: A search was conducted for in vitro studies published in the Medline, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane databases from inception until January 2024. The review had been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD 42024563478). A meta-analysis was performed to assess the effects of denture cleansers on the mechanical and surface properties of conventional and digitally fabricated denture bases. A standard pairwise meta-analysis was performed, and standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals were used as summary statistics. Results: A total of 20 articles were included in the quantitative analysis. Milled digitally fabricated denture bases demonstrated higher resistance to color changes when exposed to denture cleansers compared with conventional denture bases (SMD=0.76 [95%CI: 0.35, 1.18]) P<.001 and 3-dimensionally (3D) printed digitally fabricated denture bases (SMD=2.35 [95%CI: 1.38, 3.32]) P<.001. As measured by the Vickers hardness test, milled digitally fabricated denture bases demonstrated higher resistance to changes in microhardness when exposed to denture cleansers compared with conventional denture bases (SMD=0.58 [95%CI: 0.28, 0.88]) P<.001 and 3D printed digitally fabricated denture bases (SMD=2.20 [95%CI: 1.31, 3.09]) P<.001. Conclusions: Evidence from in vitro studies demonstrated that milled digitally fabricated denture bases were more resistant to changes in color and microhardness when exposed to denture cleansers compared with 3D printed digitally fabricated denture bases or conventional denture bases.