Aim: This study was conducted to compare the surface roughness of three denture base materials.
Materials and methods: Three materials were selected for the study; conventional heat cured polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA), Acetal resin and Polyetherether ketone (PEEK). Seven specimens of each material were constructed in the form of a disc 1cm in diameter and
1.5 thickness. Each disc had one finished surface and one polished surface. Surface roughness for both surfaces was measured for all specimens, then the discs were immersed in artificial saliva for 24 hours, one week and one month and surface roughness was measured at each interval. Two way ANOVA test was used for the statistical analysis.
Results: PMMA showed the highest mean surface roughness at the base line stage i.e. before insertion in saliva. Also PMMA showed the highest mean surface roughness compared to the other two materials through the follow up period however the increase was statistically insignificant.p=0.814.After insertion in saliva PMMA showed statistically significant increase in the mean surface roughness p<0.0001.
Conclusion: The study showed that Acetal resin base material and poly-ether-ether ketone showed significantlylower surface roughness than PMMA.