RESUMO
This study compares the abrasive effects of three dentifrices on three different denture base resins, a heat cured acrylic resin, a self cured acrylic resin and a light activated urethane dimethacrylate-based resin. Specimens of the resins were subjected to a regimen of mechanical brushing using measured amounts of paste on standard toothbrushes driven by a reciprocating device. The apparent wear of each specimen was assessed qualitatively using scanning electron microscopy and quantitatively using profilometry and reflex microscopy. The study showed that cleaning pastes play a significant role in the wear of conventional acrylic resins, the relative abrasivity of the dentifrices being substrate related. However, wear was less evident on the light activated urethane dimethacrylate resin. Brushing with water alone produced no detectable wear on any of the specimens.