Does the thickness of 3D-printed upper denture layers affect Candida growth?

Effect of Printing Layer Thickness on Growth of Candida Albicans in Completely Edentulous Patients Rehabilitated With 3D-Printed Maxillary Complete Denture Bases: A Randomized Cross-over Study

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT07303530

This study tests whether different 3D-printing layer thicknesses on upper denture bases change how much Candida grows in people who have no teeth and wear maxillary dentures.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Cairo, Cairo Governorate and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07303530 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized crossover study in completely edentulous adults where each participant will wear three 3D-printed maxillary denture bases made with different layer thicknesses (25 µm, 50 µm, and 100 µm) in random order. Each denture base will be worn for an 8-week period with a two-week washout between each thickness. Researchers will sample the fitting surface of the dentures to measure candidal adherence and growth. The trial enrolls adults aged 30–80 with healthy oral mucosa and is conducted at Cairo University sites in Cairo, Egypt.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 30–80 who are completely edentulous, have healthy oral mucosa, and have no systemic conditions that would prevent participation.

Not a fit: People with active denture-related mucosal lesions, known allergies to denture materials, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with systemic immune problems are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could identify printing settings that reduce Candida colonization and lower the risk of denture-related infections.

How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have linked surface roughness and printing parameters to Candida adherence, but clinical crossover trials directly testing layer thickness on patient denture bases are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Completely edentulous patients aged 30-80 years
* Oral cavity is free from any mucosal lesions.
* No systemic conditions that would contraindicate participation in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of allergic reactions to denture materials.
* Active mucosal lesions related to denture use.
* Pregnancy or lactation.

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Cairo Governorate and 1 other locations

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Printed DenturesCandida
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.