Abstract: Objective: To explore the effects of three different disinfection methods on the deformation extent of wax occlusal rims. Methods: Thirty-six rectangular wax occlusal rim specimens with standard dimensions of 10 mm×10 mm×28 mm were prepared using silicone rubber molds and fixed onto 20 mm×20 mm×20 mm ultra-hard gypsum bases. The specimens were scanned using a 3Shape D2000 scanner to obtain baseline data for the control group (Group 0). The specimens were then randomly divided into three experimental groups: ozone disinfection (Group A), ultraviolet disinfection (Group B), and acidic electrolyzed water disinfection (Group C). Each group was further divided into two subgroups receiving 30-minute (30 Group) and 60-minute (60 Group) disinfection treatments (n=6 per subgroup). Post-disinfection scans were performed on all specimens. Three-dimensional deviation analysis was conducted by fitting the experimental group data to the control group data using Geomagic Studio software. Results: Compared with the control group, the average dimensional deviations of groups A30 and A60 were (21±6) μm and (43±21) μm, respectively; those of groups B30 and B60 were (30±10) μm and (374±16) μm; and those of groups C30 and C60 were (36±20) μm and (56±35) μm. The deformation of group B60 was significantly higher than that of other groups (P<0.001), exceeding the clinically acceptable threshold (300 μm). There were significant differences between groups A30 and A60, and between groups B30 and B60 (P<0.001), while there was no significant difference between groups C30 and C60. Conclusion: In terms of disinfection efficiency and dimensional stability, acidic electrolyzed water disinfection has more comprehensive advantages and is recommended as the preferred method.

Key words: wax occlusal rim, disinfection, deviation analysis, degree of deformation