The International Journal of Prosthodontics 730
CLINICAL
RESEARCH
*Equal contributions as senior
author.
Correspondence to:
Dr Frauke Müller
Division of Gerodontology and
Removable Prosthodontics
1, Rue Michel-Servet, 1211
Geneva-4, Switzerland
Fax: +41 22 3794052
Email: frauke.mueller@unige.ch
Submitted June 2, 2020;
accepted September 22, 2020.
©2022 by Quintessence
Publishing Co Inc.
Purpose: To evaluate the effects of overnight storage conditions on the dimensional stability and retention
of prostheses, as well as participants’ subjective perceptions of these interventions. Materials and Methods:
Subjects with maxillary complete prostheses (CRPs) were randomly assigned to receive two interventions in
a crossover design: storage of their CRPs overnight in a dry environment or in a wet environment with
a cleansing tablet. The denture intaglio surface was scanned, and outcome measures were collected
before each intervention (BLN), postintervention (PIS), and after immersion in water for 15 minutes (WOC)
following each intervention. Dimensional changes were analyzed for the total surface, anterior fange, palate,
and tuberosities. Retention force was measured using a dynamometer, and the participants’ subjective
assessments of comfort, ft, and retention of their CRPs were collected. After verifying normal distribution,
paired t and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to check for statistical signifcance (α = .05). Results: Ten
participants (mean age: 76.5 ± 5.9 years) were recruited. Between BLN and PIS, the dimensional changes
after dry intervention were signifcantly less than the wet intervention for the total surface (P = .009), anterior
fange (P = .028), and palate (P = .005). No difference was found between the effects of storage or washout
interventions on objectively measured CRP retention. However, after WOC following dry storage, participants
perceived a lower retention (P = .021), and after WOC following wet storage, participants perceived a more
comfortable palate (P = .018). Conclusion: For dimensional stability, dry overnight storage of removable
prostheses can be safely recommended when indicated. Immersion in water for 15 minutes does not seem
to add advantages. Int J Prosthodont 2022;35:730–737. doi: 10.11607/ijp.7158
Effects of Overnight Storage Conditions on
Conventional Complete Removable Prostheses
Yasmine Bouattour, Med Dent, MAS
Division of Gerodontology and Removable Prosthodontics, University Clinics of Dental Medicine,
University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Nicole Kalberer, Med Dent, MAS
Najla Chebib, Dr Med Dent, MS
Philippe Mojon, Dr Med Dent
Division of Gerodontology and Removable Prosthodontics, University Clinics of Dental Medicine,
University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Albert Mehl, Prof Dr Med Dent Habil
Division of Computerized Restorative Dentistry, Clinic of Conservative and Preventive Dentistry, Center
of Dental Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
Murali Srinivasan, Prof Dr Med Dent, BDS, MDS, MAS*
Clinic of General Special Care and Geriatric Dentistry, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zürich,
Zürich, Switzerland.
Frauke Müller, Prof Dr Med Dent Habil*
Division of Gerodontology and Removable Prosthodontics, University Clinics of Dental Medicine,
University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
P
oor oral and denture hygiene have been advocated as precursors of aspiration
pneumonia and mortality.
1–4
Hence, it has been frequently advised not to wear
complete removable prostheses (CRPs) during sleep. The issue then arises as to
whether to store CRPs in a dry or wet environment during the night. Storing CRPs dry
helps avoid microbial growth and Candida colonization.
5
However, in order to avoid
warpage, it is recommended that CRPs be stored under wet conditions while not in
use, and preferably with an added denture cleanser.
6
Still, a consensus has not yet
been achieved for the storage conditions of dentures while not in use.
7
The acrylic resin polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a material that has been com-
monly used as a denture base since the 1930s due to its low cost, easy and simple
manipulation, and favorable esthetics, as well as its appropriate mechanical and
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