The Influence of Different Cleaning Protocols on the Surface Roughness of Orthodontic Retainers

Abstract

Thermoplastic materials are sensitive to humidity, temperature variations, enzyme activities, and cyclic loading. All these factors can cause changes to the mechanical properties of the material. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different cleaning protocols on the surface roughness of orthodontic retainers. Samples of two brands of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) material were exposed to four cleaning protocols: Corega (alkaline peroxide tablets), Toothbrush, Corega + toothbrush, Toothbrush + toothpaste, and Control. Measurement of the surface roughness of the sample on both the top and bottom side was carried out before and after cleaning. There was no statistical difference between the final values of the measured parameters. However, looking at the extent of the change in surface roughness, there was a statistically significant difference in the upper side of the Corega + toothbrush group between Materials A and B. This suggests that there was a greater change in the roughness of material A (Erkodur), given that the mean change in roughness of Material A was Ra 0.047, whereas the mean change in roughness of Material B was Ra 0.022. Almost all the tested cleaning procedures significantly increased the surface roughness of the PET-G retainer material. Of all the methods, the Corega tablets had the lowest influence on surface roughness.

Microbial adherence on vacuum-formed retainers with different surface roughness as constructed from conventional stone models and 3D printed models: a randomized controlled clinical trial

“…Thus, the imprints may not be as well-defined in these areas. Third, mechanical cleansing of VFR by toothbrushing may possibly affect the surface roughness [ 41 ]. Thus, it had to be assumed that the increase in surface roughness by the participants was similar between groups.…”

Resistance of PETG Materials on Thermocycling and Brushing

“…The thickness of the material was 1 mm. Models were prepared according to the protocol of the previous study [32]. A total of 24 samples of each brand were investigated.…”

“…According to one study, cleaning with a toothbrush is recommended in 99.8% of cases [31]. Several studies investigated how brushing with a toothbrush with or without dentifrice affects the surface roughness of thermoplastic retainers [23,[32][33][34]. However, the results are not uniform.…”

Coffee Staining and Simulated Brushing Induced Color Changes and Surface Roughness of 3D-Printed Orthodontic Retainer Material

“…Mechanical, chemical, or a combination of the two cleaning methods can be used to maintain the hygiene of the retainer [26,27,30,31]. The most popular method of cleaning dentures is with a toothbrush and dentifrice or tap water since it is easy to use, inexpensive, and effective at eliminating organic deposits [27,[31][32][33][34].…”

“…Dental appliances are subjected to wear and roughness, which promote biofilm formation, discoloration, loss of surface details, and diminished gloss [16][17][18]. The final effect on material roughness relies on the applied load and brushing duration [34]. The color stability of clear retainers remains a significant consideration for both patients and clinicians [30].…”