Metal wire has traditionally been used to strengthen acrylic dentures, but recently fiber reinforced composites (FRC) are gaining popularity in repairs and manufacturing of dentures.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the flexural properties of repaired denture base polymer after being repaired and reinforced with various methods.

Methods: The test specimens (65x10x3.3mm) were fabricated from heat-polymerized denture base resin (SP 3/60 NF, Ivoclar), fractured and repaired with various methods. There were 12 specimens in each group: A) control specimens (intact) B) specimens repaired with auto-polymerized denture base resin C) specimens repaired with 1x1.5mm semi-circular steel wire (Remanium, Dentaurum) and D) specimens repaired with one unidirectional glass FRC reinforcement (Stick, StickTech). The specimens were stored in distilled water for 2 weeks before testing. The flexural properties were tested by static 3-point bending test with a cross-head speed of 5 mm/min (ISO 1567).

Results:

Group	A	B	C	D
Flexural strength (MPa)	43.9 ± 3.9	39.3 ± 5.3	43.5 ± 7.2	54.7 ± 10.4
Flexural modulus (GPa)	1.6 ± 0.2	1.5 ± 0.2	1.7 ± 0.2	2.0 ± 0.3
Weibull Modulus	12.0	8.9	9.7	5.6
Weibull Strength (MPa)	45.7	41.3	45.7	58.9
Regression correlation	0.988	0.933	0.959	0.983

ANOVA with post hoc test revealed that the flexural strength and modulus in group D differed significantly (p<0.001, n=12) when compared with other groups. The Weibull parameters were also calculated.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that repair of denture base polymer with FRC can improve the flexural properties of the polymer compared to that of intact polymer.

Back to the Dental Materials: VI - Polymer Materials-Mechanical Properties and Degradation Program
Back to the IADR/AADR/CADR 82nd General Session (March 10-13, 2004)

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