Fabrication of a multi-applicable removable intraoral denture system for rodent research.

Abstract

The objective was to engineer an inexpensive intraoral removable denture system for rodents that can be utilised in numerous oral health research applications. At the forefront is biofilm research related to Candida-associated denture stomatitis. Previously described intraoral devices are primitive and inadequate. The denture system was engineered consisting of a fixed part that is anchored to the posterior palate by orthodontic wires and acrylic resin and a removable part fitted to the anterior palate that is retained by magnets embedded in the fixed part. Both parts are custom fitted to the rodent palate by impression making and cast fabrication. Rats fitted with the intraoral denture system maintained body weight and normal activity with the device maintaining integrity and durability for upwards of 8 weeks. The denture system was used successfully to establish a working model of denture stomatitis. This newly engineered inexpensive intraoral removable denture system for rodents can be utilised in numerous oral health research applications, including denture-associated infections, biofilms and a variety of biomaterial applications. The removable portion is advantageous for longitudinal analyses and charging/discharging of biomaterials.