Effect of exposure to carbonated beverages on the surface hardness of acrylic resins

The purpose was to evaluate and compare the effect of carbonated beverage on the surface microhardness of two acrylic materials used to fabricate temporary restorations. The study was experimental in vitro. Forty blocks of acrylic resins used in provisional restorations were made, 20 from Alike® (GC AMERICA INC., Lot 1712161) and 20 from Acryptemp® (Zhermack S.P.A., Lot 302334). After that, the blocks were immersed in distilled water for 24 hours. After this time, the initial surface microhardness was measured. Then the 20 samples of the experimental group were immersed in a carbonated drink (coca cola - soda) for 12 minutes per day, for 5 days. Finally, the final surface microhardness was measured using the Vickers microdurometer. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were used, and the Student's t test and ANOVA were performed. A mean surface microhardness of 8.8 and 7.2HV was found for the PMMA resin group (Initial and final respectively), and 9.5 and 8HV for the bisacrylate group. Statistically significant differences were found when comparing the beginning and end of each group and when comparing the two materials. The acrylic resin of polymethylmethacrylate (Alike® GC AMERICA INC.) Presented higher surface microhardness compared to the bis acrylic resin (Acrytemp® Zhermack S.P.A), after being exposed to a carbonated drink. (author)