Comparative Evaluation of Aloe vera Gel and Conventional Denture Cleansers on Color Stability and Translucency of Acrylic Resin Teeth: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the stain removal efficacy and translucency effects of different denture cleansers, including Aloe vera (AV) gel, on coffee-stained acrylic resin teeth. Methods: Fifty maxillary right central incisor acrylic teeth (shade A2) were stained with a coffee solution and then divided into five groups (n=10): Corega Cleaner-C, Corega Whiteness (CW), Protefix-P, AV gel, and distilled water-D. Each group underwent six 90-min immersion cycles simulating 6 months of clinical use. Color changes (ΔE₀₀) and translucency parameters (TP) were measured using a spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey’s honestly significant difference, and paired t-tests. Results: Color stability and the TP were calculated. ANOVA revealed no statistically significant difference in color stability between the groups (p=0.367). For TP analyses, while no significant difference was observed among TP1 groups (p=0.565), a statistically significant difference was found among TP2 groups (p<0.05). The AV group differed significantly from the other groups in TP2. Paired t-tests showed a significant difference in translucency values, with a decrease in the CW group (p=0.039) and an increase in the AV group (p=0.007). Discussion and Conclusion: AV gel was as effective as conventional denture cleansers in removing stains from acrylic resin teeth and was the only agent that preserved or enhanced translucency. Given its natural composition, biocompatibility, and minimal effect on optical properties, AV gel may be considered a clinically valuable alternative, especially for patients with high aesthetic expectations or sensitivity to chemical agents.