Evaluation of two denture adhesives removal techniques using image processing

Denture adhesives improve of quality of life of its users. However, patient’s opinion is unanimously express as they are difficult to remove from both the denture and oral tissues. Only four articles address the removal of commercial denture adhesives issue. The objective of the present study is to evaluate under image processing the recommended adhesive removal protocols from the adhesive producers. Thirty pink acrylic discs were made and denture adhesive was applied to the outer face, in a uniform layer of 1 g per plate. After a 45-minute period in natural saliva, excess was removed with a denture brush. Coloring of the adhesive was then performed using a green food coloring with dipping for 30 s, then removing excess dye. The samples were photographed. Total surface area and pigmented areas were measured using image processing software (Image Tool 3.0, University of Texas Health Science Center, Texas, USA). After each measurement, each protocol was performed. Thus, the samples were divided into two groups of 15 units. In group 1 (n = 15) it was used a denture brush and water with 3 longitudinal movements along the same axis and in the same direction. In group 2 (n = 15) the discs were submerged in water with a denture cleansing tablet for 3 min and brushed with 3 longitudinal movements. Quantitative analysis was again performed. Statistical analyses were performed (p = 0.05). Based on the results obtained in our study and considering in vitro studies limitations we can concluded that neither the techniques advocated by the producers is not sufficient for the total removal of adhesive. Water brushing obtained less efficient results. The combination of immersion in alkaline peroxide solution followed by brushing, despite continuing to obtain low efficacy, presents much better results. More studies in this field must be fulfil to achieve better removing methods and results. Image processing is a valid tool as objective mean to measure the efficacy of different techniques of denture adhesive removable.