ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of ethanol solutions as post-polymerization treatment on the shear bond strength and the surface free energy of acrylic reline resins.MethodsThree reline resins (Kooliner, Ufi Gel Hard and Probase Cold) were manipulated and attached to 150 parallelepipeds denture base resin previously aged. Constructed specimens of each resin were randomly divided into control group (left untreated) or experimental groups subjected to different treatments: immersion in water or ethanol solutions 20, 50 or 70% at 55°C for 10min (n=10). Shear bond strength was tested and the failure mode was assessed. Surface free energy was calculated by determining the contact angle and estimated by the Wilhelmy plaque technique (n=5). Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests with Bonferroni correction (alfa=0.05).ResultsProbase Cold showed higher values (p0.05) in surface energy.ConclusionsEthanol solutions as post-polymerization treatments did not deteriorate the bond strength of acrylic reline resins to denture base and neither their wettability

Changes in the properties of resin-based polymers exposed to the oral environment can emerge when chlorhexidine (CHX) is incorporated to develop bioactive systems for treating denture stomatitis. Three reline resins loaded with CHX were prepared: 2.5 wt% in Kooliner (K), 5 wt% in Ufi Gel Hard (UFI), and Probase Cold (PC). A total of 60 specimens were submitted to physical aging (1000 cycles of thermal fluctuations, 5–55 °C) or chemical aging (28 days of pH fluctuations in artificial saliva, 6 h at pH = 3, 18 h at pH = 7). Knoop microhardness (30 s, 98 mN), 3-point flexural strength (5 mm/min), and surface energy were tested. Color changes (ΔE) were determined using the CIELab system. Data were submitted to non-parametric tests (α = 0.05). After aging, bioactive K and UFI specimens were not different from the controls (resins without CHX) in mechanical and surface properties. Thermally aged CHX-loaded PC specimens showed decreased microhardness and flexural strength but not under adequate levels for function. The color change was observed in all CHX-loaded specimens that underwent chemical aging. The long-term use of CHX bioactive systems based on reline resins generally does not impair removable dentures’ proper mechanical and aesthetic functions.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of different whitening toothpastes on the enamel surface roughness and color variation. Twenty-four molars were sectioned and divided into eight groups (n = 3) considering the following two factors under study: toothpaste type (Colgate^® Total Original, Oral B^® 3D White Luxe Perfection, Curaprox^® Black is White, and Signal^® White Now) and brushing protocol (short- and long-term). Surface roughness was examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and color change (ΔE) was measured using the CIE L*a*b* system. Data were statistically analyzed using comparative parametric tests at a 5% significance level. In the short-term protocol, only the Signal^® White Now toothpaste increased surface roughness (p = 0.038) compared to the Colgate^® Total Original group. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in surface roughness in the long-term protocol. Regarding color variation, no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in either protocol. Overall, the whitening toothpastes did not affect enamel surface roughness or color, except for Signal^® White Now, which caused increased roughness in the short-term protocol. However, all toothpastes induced a visual change in color.

Background/Objectives: With aging linked to increased oral health conditions, the communication skills of dental professionals are vital to ensure patient satisfaction and improve the quality of geriatric dental care. This cross-sectional study evaluated geriatric patients’ satisfaction with communication at a university dental clinic, comparing interactions with dentists and fifth-year dental students. Methods: A self-report questionnaire was administered to 111 patients, assessing sociodemographic data, general health, and satisfaction across six communication dimensions: verbal and nonverbal communication, empathy, respect, problem-solving, and support materials. The data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U tests (α = 0.05). Results: The geriatric patients exhibited higher levels of satisfaction when interacting with dentists compared to students, particularly in the domains of nonverbal communication (p = 0.007), empathy (p = 0.035), and respect (p = 0.017). However, no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in terms of verbal communication, problem-solving, and support materials. Conclusions: The geriatric patients demonstrated greater satisfaction with interactions with practicing dentists. These findings indicate that an attending dentist’s clinical experience enhances interpersonal interactions with geriatric patients. Therefore, developing the interpersonal skills of future dentistry professionals, as well as adapting communication to the needs of the elderly, is essential to provide more satisfactory experiences in geriatric dental care.