RESUMO
@#Introduction: The compatibility of denture cleanser is crucial in the prevention of failure of adhesion between silicone soft liner and acrylic denture base, thus ensuring the durability of the prosthesis. This scanning electron microscope (SEM) study was to determine the mode of failure and measured the gap formation between silicone soft liners and Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base after immersion in denture cleansers. Methods: A total of 135 specimens of PMMA denture base lined with three different silicone soft liners (GC Reline Soft, Mollosil and Tokuyama Sofreliner Tough) were immersed into denture cleansers (Polident® and Stearadent) daily and stored in distilled water at 37±1°C. Specimens were examined and sectioned at 2.5mm and 5.0mm from the margin after 1 day, 30 days and 90 days before analyzed. Results: No significant difference detected in the mode of failure and gap formation after one-day immersion. Adhesive failure was the commonest failure at the margin after 30 days (71.11%) and after 90 days (95.56%). However, 33.33% of specimens showed mixed failure at 5.0mm sectioned after 90 days. A significant difference of gap formation was demonstrated from Mollosil in Steradent at the margin and at 2.5 mm sectioned after 30 days and after 90 days (p<0.05). It was also observed at the margin and 5.0mm sectioned of specimens from Tokuyama in Steradent after 90 days of immersion (p<0.05). Conclusion: Specimen immersed in Steradent denture cleanser presented with wider gap formation as compared to Polident®, and adhesive failure is the commonest mode of failure.