Statement of problem: Denture bases machined from prepolymerized materials have become popular. However, information on the effect of simulated brushing and coffee thermocycling (CTC) on their surface roughness and stainability is lacking.

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effect of simulated brushing and CTC on the surface roughness (R_a) and stainability of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) denture base materials and a heat-polymerized denture base material.

Material and methods: Forty disk-shaped specimens were prepared from 3 CAD-CAM denture base resins (AvaDent, AV; Merz M-PM, M-PM; and Polident d.o.o, Poli) and a heat-polymerized polymethylmethacrylate resin (Promolux, CV) (n=10). R_avalues of the specimens were measured by using a noncontact profilometer after conventional polishing. The color coordinates were also measured over a gray background with a spectrophotometer. Specimens were then consecutively subjected to simulated brushing for 20 000 cycles, CTC for 5000 cycles, and another 10 000 brushing cycles. R_aand color coordinates were measured after each interval. Color differences (ΔE₀₀) were calculated by using the CIEDE2000 formula, and the data were analyzed by using 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference tests (α=0.05).

Results: The time interval had a significant effect on R_a(P<.001) as brushing cycles resulted in higher values than those at baseline and after CTC (P<.001). However, the differences between brushing cycles (P=.143) and between the baseline and after CTC (P=.994) were not significant. The interaction between the material type and time interval was significant for ΔE₀₀(P=.016). The only significant difference in ΔE₀₀values was observed between M-PM and CV after all treatments were completed (P=.029).

Conclusions: Brushing increased the R_aof all materials when compared with the baseline. All materials showed similar stainability throughout the brushing and CTC processes. However, M-PM CAD-CAM denture base resin underwent a greater color change after all treatments were completed than conventional denture base resin. All color changes can be considered clinically small, considering reported perceptibility and acceptability thresholds.