Color change of airborne particle–abraded acrylic resin surfaces: A palatography method

Abstract

Statement of problemA palatogram aids prosthodontists and speech pathologists in evaluating the precise prosthetic treatment needed and the effectiveness of such treatment to improve speech intelligibility. Powder is commonly used to visualize tongue-palate contact, where wetted areas of powder in the oral cavity reveal such contact during palatography. However, discomfort and the risk of aspiration are among the shortcomings of this method, and an improved method is needed. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to examine the feasibility of a new method of palatography that uses airborne-particle–abraded acrylic resin so that wet areas can be easily distinguished from dry areas. Material and methodsSeventy-two specimens of heat-polymerized acrylic resin were prepared in 6 different resin colors. After the specimens had been airborne-particle abraded, CIELab color values for each specimen were measured using a colorimeter under dry and wet conditions and recorded. Color difference (ΔE) was then computed, and a paired Student t test, 1-way analysis of variance, and multiple comparison using the Tukey post hoc analysis were applied (α=.05). ResultsA significant color difference was found between the 2 conditions in all acrylic resin specimens examined. Mean ΔE ranged from 5.58 to 6.76. ConclusionsThe results indicated that an airborne-particle–abraded acrylic resin surface can show color differences made by wetting on palatograms.