Abstract
Objective
To ascertain whether or not the less porous surface associated with visible light cure appliances and the absence of free monomer had any measurable affect upon mucosal erythema, and to assess the durability of such appliances in a clinical context.
Design
A prospective randomized trial of visible light cure (Triad VLC) and autopolymerizing (Orthoresin) acrylic resin used as orthodontic base plate materials.
Setting
University Dental Hospital and School.
Subjects
Fifty subjects from a consecutively enrolled sample of 69 (19 drop outs) for removable appliance therapy (23 VLC, 27 AP).
Outcome measures
Erythema meter scores and appliance breakages.
Results
No statistical difference in mucosal erythema between the two materials was found. Fifty-two per cent of VLC appliances broke during a 6-month period, as opposed to 7 per cent of AP appliances.
Conclusions
VLC appears to have no clinically beneficial effect on the oral mucosa compared with AP. VLC appliances are currently not sufficiently durable to make them a viable alternative to AP appliances.
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