A METHOD FOR TESTING DENTURE ADHESIVES

An in vitro test is described that simulates the in vivo fate of a den ture adhesive, namely destruction, dilution, and dissolution of the ad hesive, by repeated measurement of tensile bond strength for the adhes ive in isotonic saline over time. The bond strengths were measured und er two different settings of the testing machine. The main composition s of three denture adhesive pastes, Fittydent, Fixodent, and Super Pol l-Grip and one powder adhesive, Super Wernet's, were determined by inf rared spectroscopy. The tensile bond strengths of these adhesives and those of pure tragacanth gum were subjected to a three-way analysis of variance. The Fittydent and Super Poll-Grip adhesives exhibited the b est results over time. The most appropriate of the described methods f or testing denture adhesives seem useful; however, when seen in relati on to the results of a published clinical study where the patients wer e asked to evaluate the retention and the duration of some of these ad hesives, there are indications that the clinical validity of the metho d might be improved if paste adhesives are tested at temperatures abov e 35 degrees C.