Colonization and deterioration of soft denture lining materials in vivo.

Colonization of denture lining materials by microorganisms including Candida albicans can result in deterioration of the material, as observed by a previous in vitro study by the authors. The current in vivo study monitored the microbial colonisation and penetration of five types of denture liners and their topography over six months. There was no significant difference in the microbial colonisation on the denture liners and no penetration observed, indicating a slower rate of deterioration of materials in vivo. However the surface roughness of all materials increased during use, which might alter susceptibility to subsequent microbial colonisation.