Influence of chemical disinfection and storage time on physical properties of ocular prosthesis

• Grant number: 09/07592-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2009
• End date: September 30, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Coelho Goiato
• Grantee: Marcelo Coelho Goiato
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The ocular prostheses are responsible for recovery of aesthetic and self-esteem in their wearers. Artificial acrylic resin eyes should be aesthetics, perfectly polished and resistant to fracture. When these characteristics are not achieved, psychological damages, infections and inflammations due to prosthesis irregularities and microorganisms colonization can occur. Prosthesis disinfection procedures are necessary both to eliminate the microorganisms and to maintain the health of the tissues surrounding prosthesis. However, the disinfection procedure can cause some changes in physical properties of the prosthesis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the microhardness, the roughness and the color change of ocular prosthesis affected by chemical disinfection and storage time. Fifty specimens will be obtained in two ocular acrylic resins color types (N1 and colorless). The specimens will be divided in 5 groups according to the disinfection protocol: neutral soap (control), 4% chlorhexidine, 1% hypochlorite, effervescing tablets, and contact lens solution. The specimens will be stored and disinfected during 120 days. Microhardness, roughness and color change will be evaluated in the initial period and after 60 and 120 days. The microhardness, the roughness and the color stability will be measured using a microdurometer, a perfilometer and a spectrophotometer, respectively. Data will be evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test (p<.05). (AU)