Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
Which acrylic denture material is LEAST likely to harbor Candida albicans?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Heat-cure acrylic
Heat-cured acrylic is denser, harder, and less porous than chemically cured acrylic because it has less residual monomer. The lower porosity means fewer surface micro-irregularities for Candida to adhere to. Chemical-cure (self-cure) acrylic has more residual monomer, greater porosity, and a rougher surface texture — making it MORE susceptible to Candida colonization. This is why heat-cured is preferred for full dentures.
- A. ❌ Chemical-cure acrylic is MORE porous with residual monomer — highest Candida colonization risk.
- B. ❌ Flexible acrylic (Valplast/nylon) has unique surface characteristics but is not the standard answer for this comparison.
- C. ✅ Heat-cured acrylic is the least porous, hardest, and least conducive to Candida adhesion.
- D. ❌ Light-cure acrylic is intermediate in porosity.
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