Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes chronic acidification of the oral environment, creating aggressive conditions for dental materials and necessitating a well-founded selection of materials for removable plate dentures. Constant contact with gastric acid can lead to hydrolytic degradation of polymers and corrosion of metals, reducing the lifespan of the prostheses. The aim of this work is to conduct a systematic analysis of modern data on the behavior of denture base materials under conditions simulating the effects of gastric acid and to formulate practical criteria for their clinical selection based on this analysis. Based on a review of scientific publications over the past 10 years, a comprehensive assessment of the resistance of both traditional and modern materials, including heat-polymerized acrylics, CAD/CAM materials, and metal alloys, to an acidic environment was conducted. The study was based on key parameters: retention of flexural strength, stability of surface roughness, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. The analysis results show that traditional polymethyl methacrylate significantly loses strength and its surface becomes rougher after acid exposure, which promotes microbial adhesion. At the same time, materials fabricated using digital technologies, such as CAD/CAM milled prepolymers, high-strength composites, and 3D-printed nanocomposites, demonstrate significantly higher stability of microstructure and properties. Among metals, cobalt-chromium alloy, especially when produced by milling, exhibits better corrosion resistance compared to nickel-chromium alloy. Biocompatible fiber-reinforced composites are also considered promising alternatives. Thus, for patients with GERD, priority should be given to selecting modern digital materials and additive manufacturing technologies that ensure high resistance to an acidic environment. The key selection criteria are resistance to HCl (pH 1.2–3.0), stability of mechanical properties and surface roughness, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. Further standardized in vitro experimental studies are required to verify the long-term stability of these materials under conditions that closely mimic the clinical setting.
Nauman et al. (Sun,) studied this question.